Book Review: Humanities and Social Sciences Education in Sri Lankan Universities: Past, Present and Future

Abstract

This is an essay about the book “Humanities and Social Sciences Education in Sri Lankan Universities: Past, Present, and Future, Volume III: Premakumara de Silva... [et al.]— University Grants Commission, Government Press, Colombo: 2022, 332 pp. (ISBN 978-624- 5980-09-3)” reviewed as a commentary on the evolution of tertiary-level Humanities and Social Science (HSS) education in Sri Lanka. This essay will provide an in-depth analysis of the content of the book from a holistic point of view, highlighting the interconnectedness of parts I through VI, with a conclusion that discusses in part VII ‘Plans for Future’ and the concluding remarks of the book itself. Therefore, review comments for some chapters may not be in the same order as they appear in the book. This essay reviews how the content of the book addresses the relationship between HSS education and the country’s social problems, such as deepening inequalities of wealth, lack of employment opportunities for HSS graduates, persistent authoritarian regimes, imperfect democracies, corruption, and inadequate systemic responses to them.