Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya said the drafting of a Bill to establish an “Education Council” is expected to be completed within one year, as part of efforts to strengthen standardisation and professional development in Sri Lanka’s education sector.
PM Amarasuriya said the Council is being established based on recommendations made by an expert committee appointed by the Secretary to the Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education.
Cabinet approval to draft the relevant Bill was granted on August 25, 2026, and arrangements are underway to refer the committee report to the Legal Draftsman to prepare the legislation in accordance with the Constitution and existing laws and regulations, she said.
The Prime Minister further said that the proposed Council will be tasked with ensuring the professional development, standardisation, registration, regulation and supervision of education professionals working at the pre-school, primary and secondary education levels.
It will also advise the Minister of Education on professional development and quality assurance, while taking steps to develop bilingual educators and internationally recognised education professionals and expand access to bilingual education.
The Council is also expected to standardise qualifications for recruitment, promotions and professional development programmes, while serving as an intermediary between the Government and education professionals on matters relating to their rights and grievances.
Another objective will be to help ensure access to equitable and quality education for all.
The Prime Minister said the reforms will also introduce a professional licensing and certification system for teachers, under which licences will be issued only to those who meet the required qualifications based on competency standards and assessments.
She said the system is intended to enhance the professional standing and dignity of teachers, similar to other licensed professions. Measures will also be taken to improve school and classroom infrastructure required for teachers to perform their duties effectively.
However, the proposed Education Council will not regulate public or non-state higher education institutions or assess the quality of their academic programmes, with the initiative focused solely on improving the quality of the general education system.
The Prime Minister made the remarks in Parliament today (07), responding to a question raised by Opposition MP Padmasiri Bandara. (Newswire)