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 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 used extensively, especially among academic staff and students with digital experience. For example, 90.3% of universities in Japan were providing distance learning as of 1 June 2020. 4 In upper-middle-income countries, 88% of youth managed to continue learning, including 54% by video lectures and 40% by online testing. 5 ADB BRIEFS no.

Bangladesh and Sri Lanka have largely declined since the COVID-19 outbreak: in April 2020, the number of job postings was only 13% of the total jobs posted in April 2019 for Bangladesh and 30% for Sri Lanka. The trend in online job applications in Bangladesh also follows a similar trajectory. Continuous monitoring of online job market indicators is necessary in the coming months to understand the impacts of the lockdowns and possible resumption of economic activities.

Are subsidies to female education worth supporting to enhance socioeconomic and demographic changes? This paper examines whether or not the Female Secondary Stipend and Assistance Program (FSSAP) in Bangladesh matters. If it does, how much and in what way—on both observed short- and long- term outcomes associated with female education? How did FSSAP impact the education of children, and boys in particular? The paper also explores the impact on female labor force participation, as well as age at marriage, fertility, and other effects on society.

COVID-19 Impact on Technical and Vocational Education and Training in Sri Lanka KEY POINTS • In Sri Lanka, the impact on employment immediately after the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak was cushioned by significantly reduced working hours instead of layoffs.

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