A media briefing was held yesterday (6) at the Ministry of Education, chaired by Education Ministry Secretary Nalaka Kaluwawa, to inform the public on the progress of the new education reform process scheduled to be implemented from next year, including the extension of school hours by 30 minutes.
Speaking at the event, the Secretary said that the new education transformation marks the beginning of a long-term change in the country’s education system and will take effect from 2026. He said the National Institute of Education (NIE) has completed nearly 99% of training for trainers under the reform plan, and training for Grade 1 and Grade 6 teachers will be completed by December 31, 2025.
He added that all 106 modules required for these two grades will be printed within the next two weeks.
Addressing public discussion on the planned extension of school hours, Kaluwawa said the 30-minute extension will apply to classes from Grade 5 upwards. Each period will be increased to 50 minutes as part of the structural changes introduced under the new education framework.
He also noted that discussions have been held with the Department of Railways, Department of Transport, and the National Transport Commission to adjust public transport schedules accordingly.
The Secretary further stated that orientation programmes for provincial education authorities and school principals across all nine provinces are currently being conducted and are now in their final stages. Awareness sessions for parents will also be held in December.
NIE Director General and Deputy Director General said the new syllabuses were developed after studying global education systems, designed to align with the mental development of children and to equip them for the future world of work.
Under the reform plan, students will begin foundational vocational education from Grade 10, with pathways to continue such studies at the Advanced Level.
Commenting on concerns raised by the media, Kaluwawa said the aim of this reform is to produce students who can adapt to a rapidly changing, technology-driven world, and urged teachers to support the initiative.
Senior officials from the Ministry of Education, including the Director General of Examinations and the Commissioner General of Educational Publications, also attended the media briefing. (Newswire)
