## Human Capital Development: Beyond Schooling 📈

A recent keynote at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura emphasizes that building human capital is a lifelong process, critical for Sri Lanka’s economic acceleration, and far broader than just formal school reforms. • Core Concept Education is viewed as a bridge between tradition and innovation. True human capital development requires "intellectuals" rather than mere "degree holders," fostering critical thinking and radical inquiry as envisioned by Rev. Welivitiye Sri Soratha. • Holistic Framework Education occurs through three distinct channels: Formal: Schools, universities, and ICT/BPM training centers. Non-formal: Structured courses without formal certification. Informal: Lifelong learning through family, society, and social media. • Economic & Statistical Standards Sri Lanka must align its educational spending data with international standards (IMF’s GFSM and UN’s SNA) to ensure comparability and macroeconomic consistency: Individual Expenses: Salaries, textbooks, and Mahapola scholarships. Collective Expenses: Curriculum development, exams, and quality assurance. Private Investment: Includes tuition and private institutional spending, which are vital components of national education investment. • Strategic Outlook Current reforms must expand beyond the school education sector to include all subsectors of human resource development. This holistic approach is essential to equip the workforce with the creativity and innovativeness needed for sustainable growth.