Access to primary education in the context of resettlement in war-torn Northern Sri Lanka: problems and challenges

Abstract

Primary education is one of basic rights of each and every child around the world. Access to quality primary education, however, becomes increasingly challenging in civil war and post war situations alike. In particular, access to primary education is limited when state lacks proper plans and strategy toward resettling war displaced people even in their own place of birth following decades of stay at IDP camps. In Sri Lanka, the northern Muslims, among others, are the worst victims of civil war between the government and the LTTE and their vulnerability continues to remain even in the post war period. National security prompted strategy of resettling northern IDPs, especially those from the District of Mannar, in their own birth place has contributed to the deprivation of their basic rights including right to decent schooling. Disconnected from the neighbouring township, semi-militarization, limited and lack of sources of livelihood and unavailability of proper transport infrastructure and facilities are such important factors which have direct bearing on the level of access and enjoyment of decent schooling including primary education. This paper examines the link between government‟s resettlement (war IDPs) strategy and the quality of primary education in Sri Lanka's former war zones.