International Literacy Day is being observed today (September 8), with this year’s theme focusing on “Literacy for People, Planet and Prosperity.”
According to UNESCO, the theme highlights the role of literacy in promoting inclusion, supporting sustainable futures, and expanding opportunities for livelihoods and economic development.
The day was proclaimed by UNESCO at its 14th General Conference to draw global attention to the importance of literacy. The first International Literacy Day was observed in 1967, and September 8 has since been commemorated annually to remind governments, educators, organizations and the public of the importance of literacy.
This year’s observance provides an opportunity to assess progress made over the past six decades and examine the challenges that continue to affect literacy worldwide.
While global literacy rates have improved significantly, major gaps remain. Based on 2024 data, UNESCO estimates that 739 million young people and adults worldwide still lack basic literacy skills. It also notes that four out of every ten children have not achieved minimum reading proficiency.
Accordingly, this year’s theme seeks to view literacy not only as an individual skill but also in the context of wider social, environmental and economic development.
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka’s literacy rate has risen to 97.4%, according to reports released by the Department of Census and Statistics.
The department also reports significant improvements in digital and computer literacy in the country. Among the population aged five years and above, digital literacy stands at 67.6%, while computer literacy is recorded at 34.7%.
