Socio-economic Achievements and Stranded of Living Conditions of Lower Educated People in Sri Lanka

Abstract

This paper examine the relationship between standard of living conditions and lower education of people. As per the education system of Sri Lanka, the primary education ends with General Certificate of Education, Ordinary Level (GCE O/L) examination. The people who has failed the GCE O/L examination are considered as lower educated people in the study. This research reveals that there is close relationship between peoples‟ living standard and level of their education. The study is based on primary and secondary data and information. Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected using semi-structured questionnaires, and key informant discussions. Four villages, Dombepola, Poonugala, Peelahena, Denawaka Waththa, of Kitulgala Education Zone in Kegalle District were selected as the study area, and 50 respondents has been selected for sample survey. The results of the study clearly shows that even though the lower educated people has satisfactory social conditions, their economic achievements is not satisfactory. Majority of them work for daily wages as labourers and others works in government and private sector with very low salaries. The majority of them settle in the government lands or their parents‟ land. Anyway they are not socially excluded. The major issue of the lower educated people is not having permanent livelihood.