1、IntroductIon The temporary closure of educational institutions during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has abruptly transformed the global education landscape in favor of distance learning.2 This radical shift saw a surge in the use of various digital platforms and applications, including
2、 digital learning management systems, collaboration platforms for live-video communication, massive open online courses (MOOCs), and tools for creating learning content.3 Some platforms have offered free access to basic services, especially during the pandemic, which higher education institutions us
3、ed extensively, especially among academic staff and students with digital experience. Forexample,90.3%of universities in Japan were providing distance learning as of 1 June 2020.4 Inupper-middle-income countries, 88%of youth managed to continue learning, including 54% by video lectures and 40% by on
4、line testing.5 ADB BRIEFS no. 151 SEPTEMBER 2020 ISBN 978-92-9262-367-8 (print) ISBN 978-92-9262-368-5 (electronic) ISSN 2071-7202 (print) ISSN 2218-2675 (electronic) Publication Stock No. BRF200260-2 DOI: http:/dx.doi.org/10.22617/BRF200260-2 online Learning in Sri Lankas Higher Education Instituti
5、ons during the coVId-19 Pandemic1 KEY PoIntS Sri Lanka made a remarkable transition to online tertiary education after closing its higher education institutions in response to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. According to the universities surveyed, nearly 90% of student respondents have
6、been able to access online education. This rate is comparable to developed countries like Japan. All internet service providersin SriLanka provided freeinternet access to university servers during COVID-19 until 17 August 2020. This has been instrumental in promoting online learning forstudents. Giv