Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has responded to the recent controversy surrounding Minister Sunil Handunneththi’s speech at the World Economic Forum, where his use of English drew widespread mockery on social media.
Speaking during a religious event at the Sri Sumangalarama Viharaya in Gonagala, Ampara, MP Premadasa said that those who once ridiculed him for promoting English education are now facing ridicule themselves.
“When I spoke about the importance of English education, I was mocked. But today, the same people have become the laughingstock. I have never ridiculed anyone for their English. The real problem is an outdated education system that failed to prepare us for the modern world,” he said.
MP Premadasa said that even while in opposition, he took steps to uplift schools through the Sakwala program by donating computers, smart boards, and printers, and consistently emphasised the value of English and IT education.
He stressed that English-medium education should not be a privilege reserved for wealthy families, but a fundamental right accessible to all.
“It’s time to bring about a real change in our education system to ensure justice for the current and future generations,” he said, pledging the opposition’s support to provide the required resources.
The opposition leader also said Dhamma education and IT literacy should be promoted through temples, turning religious institutions into community hubs for modern learning.
“We must ensure that rural children, too, get access to global knowledge. English and IT education must not remain a luxury for Colombo elites. This should be a right for every child, from the village to the city,” he said. (Newswire)