Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa says education has degraded in Sri Lanka because reforms were carried out without proper procedure by the incumbent government.
Premadasa noted that in many countries, when education is conducted online, protective frameworks are in place, with nations such as the U.S. and the U.K. following European Union security protocols.
“Such safeguards should also have been included in Sri Lanka’s new education reforms. Instead, the program was implemented suddenly, without a clear process, without publishing White Papers or Green Papers, and unlawfully, resulting in the degradation of education reforms,” he said.
Premadas emphasized that politicians, the Education Minister, and officials must be held accountable, as this amounts to a violation of children’s rights that cannot be excused.
Commenting on the temporary removal of the Director of the National Institute of Education over an inappropriate website reference, he said the removal does not resolve the issue, and decisions must be taken through a transparent, impartial inquiry
He emphasized that an independent, impartial investigation is needed, and those responsible for this degradation must be identified.
“The reforms are riddled with errors, including the exclusion of History as a subject. These mistakes must be corrected, and the opposition’s concerns should not be misinterpreted. Proper education reforms should be carried out, making use of new technology,” he said.
The Opposition Leader made these remarks in Meegama today (05 Jan), after attending the funeral of Ven. Kadadorapitiye Sumana Thero, the Chief Incumbent of the Sri Vidyawasa Pirivena. (Newswire)