Challenges Faced by Arabic Madrasas in Sri Lanka and Proposed Solutions

Learning different languages for different reasons in addition to the mother tongue is essential in the present context, like learning Arabic in Sri Lanka. Arabic is the language of religion of Islam. Muslims in Sri Lanka have been learning this language since the emergence of Islam for religious purposes. Religious educational institutions were established many years ago in Sri Lanka. These institutions (madrasas) for teaching the Holy Quran and religious sciences appeared in the late eighteen centuries. However, there are shortcomings in these educational institutions in terms of their educational and administrative activities. A study on "Challenges faced by Arabic Madrasas in Sri Lanka", aims to reveal the entry of Arabic into Sri Lanka and its status. It also identifies the challenges and difficulties faced by these institutions in teaching Arabic. To obtain accurate scientific results, this study follows the descriptive qualitative method, using primary and secondary information, primary data was collected through interviews with specialists in teaching Arabic. For secondary data, books and other authentic documents were studied. In this study, the researcher has identified difficulties in teaching Arabic in the Sri Lankan context; designing teaching materials due to lack of agreement among the institutions, difficulties in appointing efficient teachers since the salaries are not attractive, unavailability of good environment for education and the lack of modern equipment.