A total of 267,138 children dropped out of school between 2018 and 2024, Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya revealed in Parliament today.

The government does not possess definitive data regarding school dropouts from 2010 to the early part of 2017, the Prime Minister stated in response to a question raised in the House.

The figures for 2018 to 2024 were calculated using an internationally recognised formula based on annual school census reports, factoring in enrolment figures and dropout rates from Grade 1 to Grade 10.

Statistics show that 38,839 students left school in 2018, 41,503 in 2019, 32,540 in 2020, 25,492 in 2021, 52,596 in 2022, 50,345 in 2023, and 25,823 in 2024.

However, not all students identified as leaving the school system necessarily discontinued their education, Harini Amarasuriya noted. Some individuals might relocated to schools in other provinces, enrolled in international schools, or migrated overseas with their families whilst continuing their studies.

Such cases could not be separately identified via the methodology used to compile the statistics, the Prime Minister added.

Personal factors, school-related issues, family circumstances, social influences, and a shift towards alternative educational opportunities represent the key reasons for students leaving school, Harini Amarasuriya further stated.