A case study of the Sri Lanka Institute of Distance Education, an Open University school, is presented. Areas of discussion include characteristics of the country, the educational system of Sri Lanka, and the university. Specific topics include: the physical setting of Sri Lanka; the population; society and culture; the economy; the political situation; communications; teacher training; technical and vocational education; higher education; nonformal and adult education; educational broadcasting; administration and financing of education; origins of the Sri Lanka Institute of Distance Education; types of students; instructional programs; higher national certificate in technology; instructional media and methods; curriculum development; student admission, registration, and records; student assessment; and organization and administration of the university. (SW)