Strengthening Youth and Adult Education in Sri Lanka – Thematic Study
Feasibility & Special Studies - DVV International, 2025
Adult Education
Youth Employment
Skills Development
Capacity Building
Institutional & Systems Development
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Overview
A national-level demand and needs assessment conducted to examine the learning, skills, and employment needs of youth and adults who are Not in Education, Employment, or Training (NEETs) in Sri Lanka. The study supported DVV International’s Adult Learning and Education (ALE) system strengthening agenda by generating evidence on demand-side barriers, service gaps, and system-level constraints affecting access to relevant education, training, and employment pathways.
01Methodology
- National-level quantitative survey targeting NEET youth and adults in selected provinces
- Participatory and inclusive research design informed by DVV International’s ALE System Strengthening Framework
- Focus group discussions and key informant interviews with youth, adults, service providers, and institutions
- Institutional and stakeholder capacity assessments
- Analysis of skills demand, employability pathways, and access to training opportunities
- Mixed-method analysis and triangulation of quantitative and qualitative findings
02Key Findings
- Identified priority learning, skills, and employment needs of NEET youth and adults
- Highlighted systemic barriers limiting access to adult education, training, and labour market opportunities
- Assessed gaps in existing Adult Learning and Education service delivery mechanisms
- Generated evidence to inform ALE system strengthening, programme design, and policy dialogue
- Provided actionable recommendations to support inclusive, demand-responsive education and training pathways