Prime Minister and Minister of Education Harini Amarasuriya says Grade 06 education reforms will be implemented in January 2027.

Addressing Parliament today (05), PM Amarasuriya said all preparations for the reforms are underway.

Commenting on the modules for Grade 06, she noted that the committee appointed to review previously printed modules, which were found to have issues, has completed its study, suggested amendments, and finalized discussions. 

The revised modules will be sent for printing this month, PM Amarasuriya said.

She further stated that teacher training under the new reforms will commence in June, with funds already allocated for the purpose.

The Education Minister added that briefings for teachers, parents, and students on the reforms will begin in July.

Amarasuriya made the remarks in response to questions raised by Opposition MP Chamara Samapath Dassanayake. (Newswire)

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The Ministry of Education has announced the rollout of Grade 1 education reforms for the year 2026, with the distribution of activity books for Terms II and III already underway.

According to the ministry, the distribution process began earlier this month and is scheduled to be completed in all schools by April 30. 

Teacher training and syllabus awareness programs have already been conducted for provincial primary subject directors, teacher advisors, trainers, and teachers. 

Provincial directors have been instructed to complete any additional training sessions by May 16 to ensure smooth implementation.

The ministry further noted that schools which were unable to cover the subject units of Grade 1, Term I, will be required to complete those units during Term II. 

According to an Education Ministry statement, Principals have been directed to oversee this process. (Newswire)

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A meeting between Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya and officials of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) was held at the Ministry of Education this week (02 Mar), during which ADB officials informed the Prime Minister about the Human Resource Development for Education Project (HRDEP).

During this discussion, attention was focused on improving the quality of advanced-level education and curriculum design, strengthening the quality and efficiency of the workforce in the education sector, and improving the management plan of the education sector.

The Prime Minister emphasized the need for technical support and skilled human resources for the process of digitizing the education sector, and stated that by developing such a systematic framework covering all sectors, the government expects to build a strong human resource base that can contribute to national development.

ADB officials expressed their willingness to support the education reform process carried out by the government. They also confirmed their readiness to provide technical assistance as well as international financial facilities to advance these reforms.

ADB officials, technical experts, and the Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Nalaka Kaluwewa, participated in the discussion. (Newswire)

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Cabinet Spokesperson and Minister Nalinda Jayatissa criticized the opposition and certain media outlets over their stance on the government’s stalled education reforms.

Responding to a question from journalists on whether the reforms could be implemented this year, Jayatissa accused some television channels of promoting the views of opposition MPs — including Dilith Jayaweera, Sajith Premadasa, Namal Rajapaksa and Wimal Weerawansa — to create the perception that reforms posed a threat to children.

“It was not balanced at 50/50,” he said. “Some channels created this perception. Sajith Premadasa was lamenting highlighting the 150 alleged errors in the reforms and focused on the ‘dot net’ issue, claiming the reforms were not suitable for children. Even today, he uses his MPs to organize demonstrations against them.”

Jayatissa urged journalists to examine the proportion of their coverage that opposed the reforms, saying, “You have to see whether your channels reflected public opinion at the time.”

He said reforms could not be implemented for Grade 6 students in a context where public demonstrations are being amplified beyond their actual scale. However, he confirmed that reforms for Grade 1 students would proceed on Jan. 29, adding that the government is committed to moving forward with the process.

“If someone now says to implement the reforms after having opposed them, they must have a justifiable reason,” he said. “Many of these issues could be resolved if a no-confidence motion is brought. That would be decisive.”

Jayatissa also said the opposition leader and MPs must take consistent positions on education, calling it a sensitive issue that requires clear justification for any change in stance.

He acknowledged the concerns of parents, saying their demands are fair, but stressed that reforms can only be implemented when there is clarity and confidence in the process. (Newswire)

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Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa said that the opposition is willing to support the proper implementation of education reforms. 

He criticized the government for failing to introduce reforms for Grade 6, leaving many children disadvantaged, and stressed that the responsibility for halting reforms lies with the current President and government, not the opposition. 

Premadasa noted that thousands of parents had been expecting reforms for Grade 6 this year, but their hopes were dashed due to delays. 

He urged that experts in the education sector be consulted to remove flaws and implement reforms correctly and swiftly within this year.

Premadasa added that the opposition is ready to contribute ideas in formal discussions and extend support to ensure reforms are carried out effectively. (Newswire)

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According to the ministry, for grades 06-13, the daily schedule must be revised to eight (08) periods, with each period lasting 40 minutes.

Timetables should be prepared accordingly, following the format used in previous years.

The Education Ministry further said that the syllabus implemented for Grade 06 in previous years will remain in effect for the year 2026.

Educational activities should primarily utilize the textbooks used by students in the preceding year.

Formal academic activities for the new education reform curriculum, proposed for implementation in Grdae 1 for the year 2026, will commence on 29 January 2026, as previously instructed. (Newswire)

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Thalangama Police requested a court order to remove the satyagraha held in front of the Ministry of Education in Battaramulla against the new education reforms, citing public inconvenience. 

However, Kaduwela Magistrate Aruna Indrajith Buddhadasa rejected the request and instead allowed the satyagraha to continue under several conditions.

National Freedom Front leader Wimal Weerawansa, together with representatives of several civil organizations, launched a satyagraha campaign today.

According to the court order, the protest must remain entirely peaceful as required by law. It should not obstruct pedestrians or the general public using the Pelawatta–Pannipitiya road. 

It must also be conducted in a manner that does not hinder students sitting for the Advanced Level examination, teachers engaged in administrative duties, or related groups.

Furthermore, the order specified that transportation and supply activities related to examinations must not be disrupted, nor should access routes be blocked. 

If loud noises occur during the protest, they must not affect examination activities or cause distress to nearby residents. These conditions were laid down for the continuation of the satyagraha. (Newswire)

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Chairman of the National Movement for the Protection of the Nation, Venerable Elle Gunawansa Thera, has sent a message to the President requesting that Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya be removed from the post of Minister of Education and that a Cabinet reshuffle be carried out.

In a memorandum addressed to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the Thera pointed out that the unilateral education reforms proposed under the leadership of the Prime Minister confirm that the country, the people, and the Buddhist Order are facing a serious threat under the present government.

He further stated in the message that such a weak government, which shows no concern for the people or the country, directly causes harm to both the nation and its citizens.

The Thera also noted that the education reforms lack transparency, as no opinions have been sought from monks, clergy of other faiths, teachers, or education experts.

Therefore, he emphasized that the procedure adopted for introducing the reforms is flawed from the outset and lacks validity.

In what he said was fulfilling his historic duty as a monk, Ven. Elle Gunawansa Thera expressed hope that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, as Head of State, would act swiftly to save the country, the people, and the Buddhist Order from this danger. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) MP Namal Rajapaksa says a wrong decision has been taken if the President believes education reforms, which are compatible with the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), are also compatible with the country.

Commenting on the President’s speech yesterday, he said that, despite the proposed education reforms being incompatible with the country, the government is prepared to implement them.

MP Rajapaksa further said the President should understand the need to implement only what is suitable and necessary for the country, adding that decisions taken with arrogance would not bring justice to the nation, its people, or the President himself.

He said that both the SLPP and the public accept the need for changes to the education system as well as the state mechanism. However, he stressed that any reforms introduced must be compatible with the country and its needs, and not designed to suit the JVP.

MP Namal Rajapaksa also appealed to the President not to interfere with the country’s religion and culture.

He added that the government should take full responsibility for attempts to introduce education reforms that are incompatible with the country’s education system.

The SLPP MP made these remarks while addressing the media. (Newswire)

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Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya says that, in preparing modules for the second and third school terms, the inclusion of web links for any grade will be completely discontinued from now on.

Speaking in Parliament today (09 Jan), she said that this decision was taken by the Academic Affairs Board of the National Institute of Education.

Accordingly, the websites and other sources currently included in these modules are those that do not require any payment, and the use of government websites will not raise issues of transparency, accountability, or copyright, she pointed out.

The Prime Minister further noted that the Task Force on Digital Transformation in Education has already conducted a study on child safety in digital use and prepared a policy and guidelines, which will be presented to the Academic Board of the National Institute of Education in due course.

She emphasized that this education reform does not bring any financial benefit to the Institute, and that nearly 92% of primary school teachers have already received the necessary training. However, due to disaster situations in recent months, some teachers in certain provinces could not be trained as planned.

She added that those teachers are expected to receive the training before the start of the first and sixth grade school terms.

PM Amarasuriya also explained that internet use is not required for these educational activities, and teachers are given the option to use it only as a learning aid. Since all relevant content for the new modules has been included in the teacher’s handbook, teachers can carry out the work without relying on online applications.

She further announced that, in the future, student assessments will be conducted through a computer application.

Training programs related to this have already been implemented in 2025, and additional measures will be taken to enhance teachers’ technical knowledge, PM Harini Amarsuriya added. (Newswire)

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Archbishop of Colombo, His Eminence, Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, has strongly criticized the government’s ongoing education reforms, claiming they strip parents of their rights and undermine Sri Lanka’s cultural and religious foundations.

Speaking at a ceremony held at St. Joseph’s Church in Hanwella, the Cardinal expressed grave concern over the sexual education curriculum recently introduced by the Ministry of Education. 

He alleged that the program promotes ideas that conflict with traditional views on marriage, family life, and morality.

“Today, various programs are being implemented in society that undermine married life. One such issue is the sexual education curriculum recently prepared by our Ministry of Education. What exactly are they teaching our children through this? Starting from children as young as six years old and continuing until adulthood, this sexual education teaches various forms of wrongful behaviour, telling children that they can engage in these acts, that they are acceptable, and that there is nothing wrong with them. We see that the present government is promoting an education reform system that takes away this right from parents. This is something we cannot accept,” Cardinal Ranjith said.

He stressed that Sri Lanka’s heritage culture, civilization, and values, rooted in Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, and Christianity, must not be abandoned in favour of foreign influence. 

“If we betray our own principles by bowing down to the money received from Western countries and adopting the various abnormalities seen there, it is unacceptable. No government has the right to govern this country if it interferes with the nation’s cultural heritage,” he noted.

The Archbishop further warned that programs influenced by international agencies, including the United Nations and its population control bodies, were eroding family structures and damaging parent–child relationships.

“Families are being destroyed, children are being turned against their parents, children are encouraged to disobey parents, and are allowed to do whatever they want,” he said.

While acknowledging that children’s rights must be respected, Cardinal Ranjith emphasized that such rights should not be misused to weaken family bonds. 

“Children do have human rights, that is true. But turning children against their parents is not what human rights mean. What should exist between parents and children is a foundation of love,” he added.

The Archbishop’s remarks underlined the growing criticism from religious leaders over the government’s education reform agenda, which they argue risks undermining Sri Lanka’s cultural identity and moral values. (Newswire)

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Deputy Minister of Education Madura Seneviratne says the extension of the school time by 30 minutes will only reduce the after-school hours workload of teachers.

He said that under the new education reforms, the module system will be introduced, where the workload of teachers will be restricted to school hours. 

“Previously, teachers faced a workload which was taken home after school hours. But under the module system, a majority of the work will be conducted during school hours. As such, the workload of teachers after school hours will reduce,” he said. 

Deputy Minister Madura Seneviratne further pointed out that after the extension of 30 minutes for school hours, teachers will be provided with transport, while the workload will also be reduced. 

“I think a very effective change is taking place for the education sector through these reforms,” he added.

Deputy Minister of Education Madura Seneviratne made the remarks to the media while attending an event in Colombo yesterday. (Newswire)

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The Ministry of Education says it will take legal action regarding a fake document circulating on social media claiming to be the draft for the proposed national education reforms.

Secretary to the Ministry of Education Nalaka Kaluwewa stated that the alleged draft document, which is being shared as a 2026 education reform proposal, has not been issued or approved by the Ministry or any of its affiliated institutions.

He further said that steps are being taken to identify those responsible for preparing and spreading the fake document and that legal action will be initiated soon. (Newswire)

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Minister of Education, Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, has emphasized that no schools will be closed, and that the current government policy is to integrate and develop schools. 

She further explained that this initiative is aimed at enhancing the quality of the education system and ensuring equal opportunities for all.

PM Amarasuriya also revealed that a single curriculum will be introduced for all preschools nationwide, starting in 2026.

She further noted that the early childhood curriculum framework has already been finalized, and a training program for officials tasked with training approximately 19,000 preschool teachers is scheduled to begin on November 25. 

Training sessions will be held in every province, enabling the implementation of teaching practices aligned with the new curriculum, the Prime Minister added. 

PM Harini Amarasuriya made the remarks during a meeting of the Parliamentary subcommittee on education reform, which convened under her leadership in Parliament yesterday (22).

The Parliamentary subcommittee meeting was attended by Members of Parliament, Secretary to the Ministry of Education Nalaka Kaluwewa, officials from the National Institute of Education, and other ministry representatives. (Newswire)

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The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has urged the government to introduce “Law” as a subject in the national education curriculum.

In a letter addressed to Education Minister, PM Harini Amarasuriya, the BASL said there is a need and justification to include Law or a similar subject as a compulsory component in primary education and as an elective at the G.C.E. Advanced Level.

The BASL noted that many countries have already introduced Law into their school systems, recognizing it as a key foundation for civic awareness and democratic engagement.

The association expressed its readiness to support the Ministry of Education in designing and reviewing the curriculum to ensure academic rigour and cultural relevance. (Newswire)

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Education Minister, Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, says educational reform is not merely about the introduction of a new textbook, but a transformation of the entire system. 

Elaborating on the proposed new education reforms, the PM said the National People’s Power (NPP) has long advocated within its political movement for an education system that does not burden children, parents, or teachers. 

“These educational reforms are not merely about the introduction of a new textbook, but a transformation of the entire system. There are several major issues within the current system, especially the pressure placed on children by the exam-centred structure, the resultant stress on parents, and the demanding social consequences created by the competitive nature of the system. We aim to address all these through this educational reform,” she said.

PM Amarasuriya said that although past governments have frequently discussed education and identified existing problems, many issues were created as a result of their own political cultures, pointing out that education was often exploited to enforce narrow political agendas.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while participating in a panel discussion held under the theme “For a Prosperous Nation – Let’s Unite as Women”, organized by the Ratnapura District Women’s Collective of the NPP, on Saturday (26).

Addressing the gathering, PM Harini Amarasuriya said, “In the Ratnapura District alone, how many so-called ‘National Schools’ are there where only the name board was changed, without any real improvement? Politicians used their power to open buildings bearing their names while ignoring the actual quality of education provided to children, and this exhibitionist approach caused great harm.”

The Education Minister pointed out that past governments have gradually reduced the national education budget, transferring the financial burden onto parents.

“Instead of investing in developing the professional status and human capital of teachers and educational administrators, they have prioritised activities that damaged the human resources. Although past administrations discussed educational reforms, they failed to allocate the necessary resources, including qualified human capital, infrastructure, and funding, to truly transform the system. As a result, no meaningful changes materialised.

“We are now engaging in a well-structured public dialogue. We are preparing the system and shaping the necessary shifts in societal attitudes. Everything we are doing is directed toward meaningful social change. Therefore, it is your responsibility to expand this dialogue within society,” she emphasized.

Also addressing members of the Ratnapura District Women’s Collective of the NPP, Prime Minister Amarasuriya invited all participants to become messengers of this national conversation, a conversation aimed at making Sri Lanka an academically advanced nation, building a cultured society within it, and developing an economy capable of competing on the global stage.

The panel discussion was attended by Ratnapura District NPP MP  Nilusha Lakmali, Mayor of Ratnapura Indrajith Katugampola, and many municipal and local council members of the NPP from the Ratnapura District, along with a large number of NPP activists. (Newswire)

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Minister of Education, Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, says the selection of underprivileged schools for development should be made with the approval of the District Development Committee and not based on favouritism.

PM Amarasuriya further stated that the new education reforms would ensure that all children would have the opportunity to either pursue employment or continue higher education after leaving school.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while addressing the awareness program held yesterday at the Eastern Provincial Council premises, aimed at informing officials representing the Eastern Province about the proposed education reforms.

“This is a historic opportunity for all of us. Through these education reforms, we can provide high-quality education that aligns with global standards. Every child will receive an NVQ certificate that enables them to enter the workforce upon the completion of school education. 

Currently, the school system does not adequately prepare students for employment. As a result, universities are compelled to develop their soft skills. That skill development should start at the school level,” she said.

The Education Minister went on to note that, starting from Grade 9, children will be given the opportunity to gain hands-on experience to decide on the profession they wish to pursue in the future. 

“Whether they complete 11 or 13 years of education, students will have the choice to either take up a job or pursue a degree. If they wish, they can even work and study for a degree simultaneously. The education reforms will not be limited to curriculum changes alone but will also focus on improving school infrastructure, teacher training, and fostering public discourse around the reform process,” she said. 

PM Amarasuriya also stated that the funds allocated this year for infrastructure development should be used appropriately. 

“When selecting schools for development in underprivileged areas, do not base decisions on village affiliation or personal favouritism. Selection must be made through proper procedures with the approval of the District Development Committee. Children in difficult areas cannot receive quality education by restricting them to the outcast,” she emphasized.

The Prime Minister also called on the Ministry of Education, the Provincial Council, Provincial Departments of Education, Zonal Offices, and Divisional Education Offices to work in collaboration during the reform process.

This event was attended by Eastern Province Governor Jayanta Lal Ratnasiri, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment Arun Hemachandra, Members of Parliament Roshan Akmeemana and S. Kugananthan, Secretary to the Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education Nalaka Kaluwawa, officials representing the Ministry of Education, Department of Examinations, National Institute of Education, and Provincial Departments of Education, as well as Zonal Education Directors. (Newswire)

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