Sri Lankan education is structured into several levels, including primary, secondary, and tertiary education. The system is overseen by the Ministry of Education, which ensures that schools follow a national curriculum. Education is free and compulsory for children from ages 5 to 16, promoting literacy and basic skills across the population. The medium of instruction varies, with Sinhala, Tamil, and English being the primary languages used in schools. Higher education institutions, such as universities, offer a range of programs, and the country has made significant strides in improving access to education, particularly for girls and rural communities.