Sri Lanka
Last updated April 1, 2026
Composite GEFRI Score
Emerging readiness
Sri Lanka demonstrates early-stage readiness (51st percentile worldwide). Investments are generating initial gains, yet substantial gaps persist in several dimensions. Higher scores indicate a system that is better prepared to anticipate and shape the future of learning.
- Global percentile
- 51st
- Global rank
- #87
- Regional rank
- #2
- Viewing data for
Country profile
Sri Lanka performs close to the global average across all GEFRI dimensions. Progress is evident, yet stronger ambition is needed to reach futures readiness among global peers.
Uneven scores across dimensions highlight areas that need targeted coordination. Low internet adoption slows digital participation and constrains system-wide modernization. Limited tertiary enrollment narrows future talent pipelines and innovation capacity.
Sparse R&D investment and a small research workforce slow experimentation and delay new ideas from reaching learners. Policy execution and regulatory capacity remain weak, leaving reforms fragmented and hard to sustain. Girls outperform boys in secondary pathways, adding pressure to address male dropout risks.
Governance, Human Capital, and Innovation present a near-term leapfrog opportunity: performance is just below the global average, backed by enough observed data to support forward planning. Regionally, Sri Lanka leads most clearly in School Access and Gender Parity, sitting well above the peer average.
Note: Several indicators use imputed values. Policymakers and planners should validate results further before committing to major initiatives.
Key insights
- Places 87th worldwide.
- Holds a regional position of 2nd within South Asia.
- Scores range from Access & Parity (75.4) to Innovation (35.6), reflecting variation across dimensions.
- Leads regional peers most clearly in Access & Parity.
Regional peers: South Asia
Composite GEFRI score
| Global rank | Regional rank | Country | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 82 | 1 | Nepal | 52.51 |
| 87 | 2 | Sri Lanka | 51.39 |
| 91 | 3 | India | 50.51 |
| 96 | 4 | Maldives | 49.51 |
| 115 | 5 | Bhutan | 38.71 |
| 121 | 6 | Bangladesh | 36.81 |