Why are reforms needed in Primary Education?
The major objectives for introducing reforms in primary education are: (i) to introduce a viable system of education which will facilitate development of basic competencies in the child and ultimately contribute to character building, nation building, development of general competencies and specific capabilities; and (ii) to address the key issues and problems in the existing system of education. The major problems faced by the Sri Lankan education system are: (i) non-participation of approximately 14 per cent of the 5-l4 years age group in school education; (ii) low levels of achievement in First Language, Mathematics and Life Skills; (iii) poor linkages between pre-school and primary school curriculum; (iv) too heavy and inappropriate curriculum; (v) teaching of English language not conducive to communication and interaction; (vi) learning and teaching processes are dominated by the textbooks and are not activity-based; (vii) many teachers lack competencies in assessing and evaluatin
