Evolution and Implications of the Secondary School Physical Education Curriculum in Sri Lanka: A Qualitative Investigation

Authors

  • Thanuja Prabashani Liyanage Department of Sports Sciences and Physical Education, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka, Belihuloya, 70140, Sri Lanka
  • Walter Senevirathne Department of Education, Faculty of Arts, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, 20400, Sri Lanka
  • Godwin Kodithuwakku Department of Education, Aldersgate College, Solano, Nueva Vizcaya, 3709, Philippines
  • Tharindi Wijerathne Department of Indigenous Health Sciences, Faculty of Indigenous Health Sciences and Technology, Gampaha Wickramarachchi University of Indigenous Medicine, Yakkala, 11870, Sri Lanka

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32734/sumej.v9i3.21332

Keywords:

curriculum implementation, curriculum reform, education history, health and physical education (HPE), historical analysis, physical education, policy development, secondary schools, student participation, teacher training

Abstract

Background: Physical Education (PE) in Sri Lankan secondary schools has undergone significant changes over the decades, affecting its structure, content, delivery, and priority. These changes have contributed to reduced recognition and declining student interest. Objective: This qualitative, inductive study explores the evolution of the PE curriculum since independence, identifies key issues, and proposes recommendations for future development. Methods: Data were collected through questionnaires and semi-structured interviews with 25 experienced professionals in sports education. Results: Findings reveal that shifts in political and social contexts have reshaped the purpose and nature of PE. Conclusion: The study recommends making PE compulsory for O/Ls, revising assessment methods, enhancing teacher training, updating teaching practices, and forming a national advisory committee to lead long-term curriculum reform.

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Published

2026-09-01

How to Cite

1.
Prabashani Liyanage T, Senevirathne W, Kodithuwakku G, Wijerathne T. Evolution and Implications of the Secondary School Physical Education Curriculum in Sri Lanka: A Qualitative Investigation. Sumat. Med. J. [Internet]. 2026 Sep. 1 [cited 2026 Sep. 1];9(3):158-61. Available from: https://talenta.usu.ac.id/smj/article/view/21332

Issue

Vol. 9 No. 3 (2026): Sumatera Medical Journal (SUMEJ)

Section

Research Article

License

Copyright (c) 2026 Thanuja Prabashani Liyanage, Walter Senevirathne, Godwin Kodithuwakku, Tharindi Wijerathne

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

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