THE EFFECTS OF THE CURRENT ECONOMIC CRISIS OF SRI LANKA IN THE LEARNING ACTIVITIES AMONG UPPER SENIOR SECONDARY GRADE STUDENTS: A STUDY BASED ON THE TAMIL-MEDIUM SCHOOLS IN THE COLOMBO EDUCATION ZONE

Author Name: 1. Athirathan S.

Volume/Issue: 05/08

Country: Sri Lanka

DOI NO.: 08.2020-25662434 DOI Link: https://doi-ds.org/doilink/01.2025-69556616/UIJIR

Affiliation:

1. University of Colombo, Sri Lanka.

ABSTRACT

Sri Lanka experienced a severe period of economic crisis from 2020. The current economic crisis in Sri Lanka has affected learning and school activities like other sectors. Main objective of the study is identify the impact of economic crisis in learning activities among upper senior secondary grade students. The study was conducted as a mixed method study using a descriptive quantitative research design with the aim of identifying the learning impacts on collegiate-level students studying in Tamil-medium schools in the Colombo Education Zone. 120 students were selected through stratified random sampling technique as sample of the study. Data were obtained from students (120), parents (40), teachers (30) and principals (06) using questionnaires and interviews. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The results of this study show that a large number (72 %) of the students belong to families with income below the poverty line. 79.5% of the students’ parents' employment and income have been affected by the economic crisis. 80.7% of the students are facing difficulties in obtaining shoes and school bags, 80.5% in obtaining textbooks, 70.81% in obtaining stationery, 81.58% in obtaining photocopies, 51.9% in obtaining smartphones, and 68.5% obtaining internet facilities are also facing difficulties due to this economic crisis. In addition, there is a correlation between economic status as a barrier to obtaining these and decreasing family income (p<0.01). There is no statistical relationship between the distance between school and home and the means of transport used as a barrier (p<0.05). There is an inverse correlation (p<0.01) between distance from home to school and being late for school. Even in the economic crisis, most students (80.7%) participate in private classes.

Key words: Sri Lanka, Economic Crisis, Upper Senior Secondary, Learning.