Education Minister Harini Amarasuriya informed Parliament that the controversial Grade 6 English module, which was withdrawn following the admission of a serious blunder, has not yet reached schoolchildren, and that an immediate investigation was launched as soon as authorities were made aware of the issue.
The Prime Minister said the distribution of the module was suspended instantly once the error was identified. She said that the Ministry is currently investigating how the mistake happened, at which stage it occurred, and who is responsible. She assured that the government will not hesitate to take action against the relevant parties once responsibility is clearly established.
The Prime Minister also explained that the National Education Commission operates under a separate set of rules and procedures, and therefore the inquiry is being carried out in line with the processes of the council appointed to examine the matter. She stressed that the intention of the investigation is not to conceal facts, but to understand why the issue occurred and to ensure such lapses are prevented in the future.
“We want to make things right, not hide facts,” she told Parliament, stressing that the government is committed to transparency and accountability in the education system.
Providing clarity on the school academic schedule, the Minister also said that Grade 6 students are due to receive their modules on January 21, while Grade 1 students will receive their textbooks by January 29. She noted that education authorities are planning to complete the necessary procedures regarding the revised modules before these dates, ensuring that students receive only properly reviewed and approved learning material.
She also urged the public not to judge or fear the ongoing education reforms based on this single incident, stating that reforms should be assessed on their overall objectives and long-term benefits rather than isolated errors.
“This incident should not be used to undermine education reforms,” she said, adding that corrective mechanisms are in place and that student welfare remains the highest priority. (Newswire)