The objective of this report is toanalyze the state of early childhood education (ECE1)provision and the policy framework for delivering ECE in SriLanka, and suggest policy options for the future. The reportis intended to serve several purposes. First, drawing uponthe international literature in the field of early childhooddevelopment, it provides the rationale for investing inearly childhood education in Sri Lanka. Second, it providesan understanding of the current policy framework anddelivery system for ECE in the country. This policy analysisspecifically looks at the extent to which there is anenabling environment for ECE, what provisions exist formonitoring and quality assurance, and how widely the policyis being implemented. Third, it presents a situationanalysis of ECE provision in Sri Lanka, discussing theissues of access, equity, and quality in the delivery of ECEservices. The discussion on equity focuses mainly onunderstanding disparities in access, and the analysis ofquality looks at the quality of inputs, processes andoutcomes, including cognitive and non-cognitive outcomes.And fourth, the report presents policy and program optionsbased on the findings of the above analyses.