In the past learning was associated with promoti on of religious values and spiritual development. Educati on was imparted in monasteries guided by the clergy. But with modernisati on and development of science and technology the need for development of skills has become an important goal of educati on.  Sri Lanka is attempting to merge both these main objecti ves in fashioning our educati on system. The need for inculcating values, especially the traditions based on our cultural heritage as well as the acquisiti on of skills required in a globalised environment are equally important.