Globalisation and English Medium Education in Schools in Sri Lanka

This book contains an analysis of the benefits as well as negative effects of re-introduction of English as a medium of instruction in schools in Sri Lanka in the context of globalisation. A mixed quantitative and qualitative research methodology was followed for this research. Data were collected from a stratified sample of post-secondary students and parents, education policy planners and administrators, principals of state, private, international schools and university academics. In general, these groups agree that there is a mismatch between the skills taught in mother tongue-based education in state schools and the skills needed by a new generation of job seekers. This work captures the complexity of the problems faced by countries such as Sri Lanka as they move into the global economy where there is a strong need to be competitive in international markets while the society is faced with internal difficulties in preserving a national identity which is located across three national/cultural groups. The educational policy planners and researchers in multi-cultural, multi-lingual countries would find the information and analysis found in this book to be of interest.