Development of the educational sector of a country is the key to realize its sustainable development goals in economic, political and social fields. Hence, investments on advancing the standards and quality of a country’s education system can bring about tremendous improvements in the overall social setup. In Sri Lanka, currently 15 state universities operate under the administration of the University Grants Commission, the government body responsible for the accreditation of higher education institutes. Over the past few decades, Sri Lankan higher education institutes have grown in number, especially owing to the involvement of the private sector. However, numerical expansion of the state and private universities has failed to fulfill the demand of the present knowledge-based economy of the country. The inability of the Sri Lankan education system to compete with other international counterparts is highlighted by the fact that except for the University of Peradeniya, no Sri Lankan university is listed in the world university ranking above 2000. Therefore, Sri Lanka requires comprehensive reforms in higher education, and in this regard our universities are seeking, in particular, for foreign assistance and expertise to address the loopholes of the current system. Universities being centers for knowledge creation, curriculum, research and international collaborations as well the methods of disseminating knowledge are key aspects determining the standard of the academic programmes conducted by universities. Therefore, in order to improve the overall quality of education, it is essential to upgrade and fully integrate the system and operations with the universities.

Sustainable Development Goals

Masaryk University is committed to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, which aim to improve the conditions and quality of life on our planet by 2030.