Abstract:
This cross-sectional study was carried out to determine the extent of participation in extracurricular activities and factors associated in grade ten school children in Matale
Municipality Area (MMA). Six hundred and twenty (620) students of Government Sinhala
Medium schools in the MMA participated in the study. The selection of the sample was
done using cluster sampling. The study instruments included a self-administered
questionnaire, data extraction sheet and a focus group discussion guide. The availability and
types of extra-curricular activities in schools differed according to type of schools. In the
study population, 65.3 percent participated in ECA. Those who participated were involved
in sports( 46.9 percent), aesthetics (11.1 percent), clubs and associations (18.5 percent) and
leadership activities (29.8 percent). This study shows that a variety of ECA are carried out
in schools and the number of ECA as well as the types of ECA differ according to the type
of school .ECA participation in Grade 10 students is affected by many factors. Male sex and
siblings' participation in ECA increase the ECA participation and that there is no association
between ECA participation and academic performance. Yet, ECA participation by sex is
significantly associated with academic performance. It also highlights the importance of
improving school facilities to enhance extra-curricular activity participation in school
adolescents.
