Abstract:
The Ministry of Education (MoE) in Sri Lanka has introduced a key policy initiative to strengthen equity in
education by guaranteeing equitable learning opportunities for all children, regardless of disparities. To achieve
this goal, the MoE launched the "13 Years of Guaranteed Education" program (13YGEP) in 2017, targeting the
Grade 12 and 13 curriculums for GCE O/L dropout students. The program aims to provide opportunities for
students who fail the G.C.E O/L to qualify for GCE A/L and continue their school education by pursuing
vocational subjects. This study is based on a sample of 40 teachers, 40 principals, 10 SLEAS officers, 2
Divisional Directors, 40 PSI coordinators, and all 40 SDEC members involved in the program. The primary
objective of this study is to examine the implementation of the 13YGEP in schools within the Paddiruppu
education zone. Specifically, it aims to assess the effectiveness of the 13YGEP in promoting equity and equal
opportunities in education for all children. The findings of this study reveal that teachers, school principals, and
educational administrators generally lack a comprehensive understanding of the 13YGEP's significance and its
proper implementation within schools. In this context, this study intends to provide practical guidelines for
enhancing the effectiveness of the 13YGEP in fostering equity in education across all schools. Data analysis
employed graphical data analysis techniques. The findings indicate that 11.55% of the students who followed
the program were enrolled, while 88.46% of the students were not enrolled in the last six years because these
students dropped out from the 13YGEP program. The small sample size, limited geographical coverage, and
short-term experience with the program are the key limitations of this study. Such surveys should be conducted
continuously to monitor equity and equal opportunities for all in education through this program.
