A Systematic Review of the Social Contributions of Graduates from Sri Lanka's Public Universities

Abstract

Sri Lanka's public university system was established as a cornerstone of post-colonial nation-building, intended to cultivate the human capital necessary for a sovereign state. However, contemporary discourse is overwhelmingly dominated by a narrow, economically centric narrative focused on graduate employability, which obscures their broader, non-economic value to society. This systematic review aims to identify, synthesize, and critically evaluate the existing literature on the social contributions of graduates from Sri Lanka's public universities, moving beyond the employability narrative to provide a consolidated analysis of their societal impact. Following the PRISMA guidelines, a comprehensive search was conducted across international (e.g., Scopus, Web of Science) and national (e.g., SLJOL) databases and grey literature from 1990 to 2024. Studies were included if they discussed non-economic contributions of graduates, operationalized into four domains: Direct Public Service, Civic Engagement, Knowledge Dissemination, and Ethical Leadership & Social Cohesion. The synthesis reveals multifaceted contributions. Graduates form the bedrock of essential public services (education, health, administration), drive grassroots development through alumni networks and volunteerism, and enrich the nation's intellectual and cultural commons. However, these contributions are significantly mediated by structural challenges, including "brain drain," political interference, and skill mismatch debates. The literature is fragmented and characterized by methodological and conceptual gaps. While graduates are pivotal to Sri Lanka's social fabric, the evidence base is underdeveloped. There is a critical need for a more robust conceptual framework and rigorous methodologies, including longitudinal studies and standardized metrics, to fully understand, measure, and enhance this vital societal role. This review provides a foundational resource and a definitive agenda for future research.