The economic crisis in Sri Lanka has led to a large number of school dropouts despite having a provision for universal free education. Last month, school examinations in the crisis-hit island nation had to be postponed as there was not enough paper and ink for the students to be able to sit for the tests.
“When you are struggling for food and other essential items such as fuel, sending children to school is beyond luxury,” a citizen based in Colombo told India Narrative.
“It is now about survival, it is about arranging for two square meals,” he said.
The shortage of paper and ink has also forced several newspapers to scale down operations. Two major newspapers – ‘The Island’, and its sister Sinhala publication ‘Divayina’ announced the suspension of their print publication due to the rising newsprint cost.
