Preparedness Level of Achieving Educational Related Sustainable Development Goal (SDG4): Evidence from Sri Lanka

Abstract

The government of Sri Lanka has made several efforts toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. The country has been implementing free education since the 1940s enabling access to education for all from Grade 1 to University education. The free education system in Sri Lanka has contributed to the country's high Human Development Index (HDI), positioning Sri Lanka at 72 out of 189 countries in 2020 with a 92.4 % adult literacy rate in 2020 (UNDP, 2023). However, it is problematic that the government could achieve SDG 04 by 2030. However, the preparedness for achieving education-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Sri Lanka has not been empirically examined. The main objective of this study is to explore the preparedness level for achieving SDG-04, identify challenges and difficulties in achieving SDG 4 by 2030, and propose policy measures to improve the preparedness level to achieve SDG-04 in Sri Lanka by 2030. Using qualitative research methods, this study selected purposively fifteen (15) responsible organizations. In-depth interviews were conducted with one responsible officer representing each organization. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. Preparedness was identified regarding awareness, resource availability, training regarding SDG goals, and collaboration with other related organizations. The study revealed that relevant officers are aware of the 2030 Agenda and the selected organizations have included the SDGs in their action plan. Especially, the officers’ awareness of SDG 04 and its indicators, resources availability, training regarding SDG goals, and collaboration with the other related organizations are not at a satisfactory level. Lack of training opportunities on SDGs, prioritization of objectives, lack of monitoring, evaluation of the implementation of SDG 04, lack of authority, lack of staff, and lack of information sharing on SDGs were identified as the main problems and difficulties faced by these organizations in implementing SDGs programs that may hinder in achieving SDG 04 by 2030. If the current programs are being implemented efficiently, there may be a possibility of achieving the SDG 04 by 2030. Finally, this study proposes policy measures to enhance the preparedness level and address the issues in achieving SDG 04 in Sri Lanka. As there is a dearth of research examining the preparedness level in achieving SDG 04, particularly in Sri Lanka, thus, this study tries to fill this research gap.

Keywords: Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), SDG 04, Preparedness Level, Sri Lanka