ADB program to revamp secondary schools

The Asian Development Bank's (ADB) Sri Lanka Country Director, Rita O'Sullivan and Secretary to the Treasury and Alternate Governor for Sri Lanka in the ADB, P. B. Jayasundera signed an agreement for a $200 million loan to help the Government revamp its secondary school system to cut youth unemployment and meet the country's urgent need for a skilled workforce.

The loan marks the first results-based lending program approved by ADB. Loan payments will be linked to the achievement of goals such as the roll-out of a full curriculum in schools, implementation of a technology stream, and training principal teachers. The program supports the Government's Education Sector Development Framework and Program for 2013-2017.

"Effective schools with competent teachers and good facilities are critical for young people to learn the skills they need to find good jobs once they graduate and, in doing so, to contribute to economic growth," said Ms. O' Sullivan.

Under the Education Sector Development Program, ADB's loan will finance the development of a national student assessment framework, which integrates school assessments with external exams to improve pass rates, and support the introduction of technology classes to allow secondary school graduates to move more easily into vocational courses.

School facilities will be upgraded and training and placement of teachers will be carried out to raise the number and enhance the capabilities of students studying science and commerce.

School principals and education agency staff will receive training to improve school leadership, management and planning, and a financing facility will be developed to maintain upgraded equipment and facilities.

The ADB, based in Manila, is dedicated to reducing poverty in Asia and the Pacific through inclusive economic growth, environmentally sustainable growth and regional integration.

Established in 1966, it is owned by 67 members - 48 from the region. In 2012, ADB assistance totalled $ 21.6 billion, including co-financing of $ 8.3 billion.