The Universal Right to Free and Compulsory Education and the Issue of School Dropout or Early School Leaving in Sri Lanka

Table of Contents

CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Introduction

1.2 Background of the Study

1.3 Statistical Background

1.4 Research Problem

1.5 Research Questions

1.6 Research Objectives

1.7 Organization of the Study

1.8 Conclusion

CHAPTER 2 METHODOLOGY

2.1 Introduction

2.2 Research Design

2.3 Hypotheses of the Study

2.4 Ascertainment of Data

2.5 Comparative Analysis with Other Jurisdictions

2.6 Evaluation of International Conventions

2.7 Conclusion

CHAPTER 3 LITERATURE REVIEW

3.1 Introduction

3.2 Education

3.2.1 Education and Its Impact

3.2.2 Importance of Education

3.2.2.1 Universal Standards of Education

3.2.2.2 Development of Education System in Sri Lanka

3.2.2.3 International Pledging

3.2.3 Benefits of Education

3.2.4 Elementary Education

3.2.4.1 International Standards of Elementary Education

3.2.4.2 National Standards of Elementary Education

3.2.5 State Sector Contribution

3.2.6 Education as a Right

3.2.7 Education Systems Which Have Assured the Right to Education

3.2.7.1 Finnish Education System

3.2.7.2 Current Position of Sri Lanka

3.3 School Dropout

3.3.1 Overview

3.3.2 Causes for School Dropout

3.3.2.1 Causes for School Dropouts as per National Survey Reports

3.3.3 Consequences of School Dropout

3.3.3.1 Costs of Early School Leaving in Europe

3.4 National Data

3.5 Tested Preventive Strategies

3.5.1 Singapore and Its Recorded Education System

3.6 Available Legislations

3.6.1 National Legislations

3.6.1.2 Constitution of Sri Lanka

3.6.2 International Instruments

3.6.2.1 Jurisdiction of India

3.6.2.2 Jurisdiction of Malaysia

3.6.2.3 Jurisdiction of the United States

3.6.2.4 Jurisdiction of Indiana

3.6.2.5 Jurisdiction of Japan

3.6.2.6 Jurisdiction of Pakistan

3.7 Proposals Recommended by Previous Research Outcomes

3.8 Conclusion

CHAPTER 4 DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

4.1 Introduction

4.2 Statistical foundation for analysis

4.3 Impact of International Conventions

4.4 International Conventions and National Obligations

4.5 Constitution and Directive Principles

4.6 Sociological Concerns Anticipated Legal Implications

4.7 Statistical Data Analysis

4.8 Education and Informed Franchise

4.9 Adoptability of Comparative Jurisdictional Models to Sri Lanka

4.9.1 The Model of India

4.9.2 The Model of Malaysia

4.9.3 Common Features of Models in India and Malaysia

4.9.4 The Model of Japan

4.9.5 Singapore Model

4.9.6 The Model of USA

4.9.7 Imposition of Penalties

4.9 Conclusion

CHAPTER 5 FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.1 Introduction

5.2 Constitutionalization of Right to Education

5.3 Reforms Recommended for Domestic Legislations

5.4 State Duty towards the International Conventions

5.5 Investment in Education and Global Concerns

5.6 Policy Concerns

5.7 Criminal Penalties for Non-Cooperating Parents

5.8 Other Possible Inclusions

5.9 Education and Good Governance

5.10 Conclusion

CHAPTER 6 CONCLUSION

Research Goals and Themes

This study aims to identify the unattended causes of school dropout in Sri Lanka and to recommend effective legal reforms to mitigate this issue. By evaluating the legal frameworks of comparative jurisdictions such as India, Malaysia, Singapore, and the United States, the research seeks to propose a rights-based approach to ensure that the Universal Right to Free and Compulsory Education is successfully implemented and protected in Sri Lanka.

• Legal reforms for mandatory education and school attendance.
• Comparative analysis of international jurisdictional models.
• The role of the State in guaranteeing the Right to Education as a fundamental right.
• Addressing socio-economic barriers like child labor and poverty-related school absenteeism.
• Enhancing enforcement mechanisms and accountability for parental and state duties.

Excerpt from the Book

Summary of Chapters

CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION: This chapter introduces the significance of free and compulsory education and outlines the research problem regarding school dropouts in Sri Lanka.

CHAPTER 2 METHODOLOGY: This chapter details the comparative desk-based research approach used to evaluate legal mechanisms from other jurisdictions.

CHAPTER 3 LITERATURE REVIEW: This chapter reviews the importance and benefits of education, international standards, and existing literature on the causes and consequences of school dropout.

CHAPTER 4 DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS: This chapter analyzes national data, international conventions, and the adoptability of comparative jurisdictional models to the Sri Lankan context.

CHAPTER 5 FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: This chapter provides specific recommendations for constitutionalizing the right to education and strengthening domestic legislative frameworks.

CHAPTER 6 CONCLUSION: This chapter summarizes the study's findings and reiterates the urgent necessity for legislative reform to ensure every child remains in school.

Keywords

School Dropout, Right to Education, Compulsory Education, Legal Reform, Child Labor, Sri Lanka, Fundamental Rights, Education Policy, Jurisdictional Models, Student Enrollment, Educational Equality, Socio-economic factors, Poverty, Human Rights, Policy Making

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the core focus of this research?

The research focuses on addressing the issue of school dropout in Sri Lanka by exploring how legal reforms can guarantee the Universal Right to Free and Compulsory Education.

What are the central themes of the work?

The central themes include the legal protection of children's rights to education, the analysis of state responsibilities, and the comparison of successful educational models from other countries.

What is the primary objective of this study?

The primary objective is to recommend suitable legal reforms and policy changes to overcome school dropout rates in Sri Lanka, ensuring education is treated as a fundamental, enforceable right.

What research methodology is employed?

The study utilizes a comparative, desk-based methodology, analyzing legal statutes and international conventions alongside secondary data from national surveys and international reports.

What does the main body of the work cover?

The main body examines current statistical data on school attendance, evaluates international and national legislation, and discusses the adoptability of specific jurisdictional models from India, Malaysia, Singapore, and the US.

Which keywords best characterize this work?

Key terms include School Dropout, Right to Education, Legal Reform, Child Labor, Fundamental Rights, and Education Policy.

How does the author propose dealing with parental negligence?

The author suggests strengthening enforcement by introducing criminal penalties for parents who fail to enroll their children in school, modeled after practices in countries like Malaysia and Singapore.

What role do international conventions play in the author's argument?

International conventions, such as the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), serve as the ethical and legal foundation for the author's argument that Sri Lanka has an obligation to incorporate these rights into its national constitution.