Evolution of Computer Science Education in the Purview of Free Education

Sri Lanka was one of the first developing nations to understand the importance of investing in human resources and promoting gender equality. Advances made by the country in health and education are at par with those of the advanced countries. Near universal literacy and a well-developed system of school education, places Sri Lanka as a leader in education in South Asia and amongst the top-performing countries in the entire world. High priority was given to education for over six decades whereby free education has resulted in an increase of school enrolment from 1 million in 1947 to a peak of 4.2 million in the mid-nineties, achieving universal primary education and a high level of participation in secondary education. Net enrolment ratio (in 2004) of 97.9% at primary level, a completion ratio of 95%, and a gender parity of 96% are laudable achievements. In terms of multi-disciplinary e-readiness criteria, Sri Lanka is also ranked higher than the neighbouring Asian countries in spite of the relatively slow penetration of computers, internet and other telecommunication media. According to the United Nations Report on e-Government Survey of 2008, Sri Lanka is ranked at eighth among twenty other countries in the Southeast/South Asian region.