Addressing difficulties in rural estates with limited education facilities: a research study for uplifting social harmony

Abstract

As a policy of the Sri Lanka government, all citizens have an equal right to receive free education. On an average the school attendance of the younger generation is about 98%. The literacy level in the country is also about 95%. But the condition is getting deviated for the children from estates, who live as poor for a long period of time in rural tea estates. Therefore, in this research a case study was carried out to address the current education level of estate children around tea estates in Akuressa and surrounding area in Matara district. A questionnaire was conducted, and other relevant and important data were also collected from authorities. Results revealed that the current literacy level of estate workers further fuels the bad side of their children's education. In addition, the priorities for the parents still look forward to hunger relief. Their parents were of the view that if the government could involve itself with a very strong commitment, then uplifting the level of education will be possible. Therefore, a few recommendations for both estate workers and relevant authorities to deliver a better education in future for their new generation are given