A Study on the Social Contribution of Graduates in Public Universities of Sri Lanka

Abstract

Sri Lanka continues to offer free education from grade one through the completion of a first degree, aiming to foster human capital as a key driver of socio-economic development. Despite the government's significant investment in maintaining this policy, households also allocate substantial resources to education. Graduates represent the ultimate output of this free education system, making it crucial to examine their social contributions to the nation. As education serves as a fundamental indicator of a country's development, the role of graduates has gained prominence in the current context of multiple crises. This study aims to assess the social contributions of Sri Lankan graduates in the face of shifting macroeconomic conditions. Data for the research were gathered through structured questionnaires and interviews with graduates from the Kurunegala district. A combination of quantitative and qualitative methods was employed to analyse responses from a sample of 500 participants. Most graduates (73.41%) are not members of any local organisation, society, or club, while a minority (26.59%) are. This suggests graduates often avoid societal involvement, likely due to busy schedules. Annual gatherings have a significant impact on social relationships, with a median value of 79.412, benefiting participants and enhancing their social esteem. However, the societal contributions of graduates remain insufficient, prompting a need for state universities and authorities to encourage greater involvement.