Internationalization (privatization) of school education in Sri Lanka: An analysis of the differing discourses and the impact on society

Abstract

Understanding the nature, dynamics and impact of international education, in particular international school education, in a given country requires comparative understanding of the public education system and associated ideologies such as the free education. It also requires an understanding of how education system in the country has been changed due to colonisation and after gaining independence. Furthermore, the socio economic and political changes taking place in a country also influence the expansion of international education. The post 1977 changes in Sri Lanka and the expansion of international schools is a good example. By examining the public discourses around international schools and public schools as well as the impact on quality of education, equity, national identity, etc. this paper provides a brief account of the nature of prevailing discourses and emerging themes on this issue.