The crises emerging within the education system are primarily due to the improper implementation of policies and political interference, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya said.

The Prime Minister said that immediate actions will also be taken to investigate the collection of funds in schools for various reasons.  

She made these remarks in parliament today (07 Mar) in response to questions raised during the first session of the Advisory Committee of the Ministry of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education.

PM Amarasuriya further said that the education reforms scheduled to be implemented in 2026 will be based on five key pillars namely introducing a new curriculum, developing human resources, improving infrastructure facilities, raising public awareness of the new educational reforms, and conducting evaluations and assessments.  

During the discussion, a consensus was reached on appointing subcommittees to implement the necessary future measures.  

The PM went on to note that measures will be taken to minimize disparities between schools, physically inspect schools to identify necessary infrastructure developments in order to implement new reforms, take necessary actions on the construction projects that have been halted, and renovate and improve the unsafe premises in schools.  

The discussion further focussed on addressing the existing shortage of teachers, facilitating the transfers to balance teacher distribution, filling out the vacancies for principals and performing duties, and addressing the administrative issues in both provincial and national schools. (Newswire)

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Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya has emphasized the importance of establishing a unified education system for all children in Sri Lanka under a common examination framework. 

The Minister of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education said education is a priority for the government and plays an important role in driving the nation’s progress.

Speaking at a meeting with provincial education heads at Temple Trees on Wednesday (Jan 02), the Prime Minister outlined the government’s vision for a transformative era. 

“Education is a very sensitive topic. When implementing such a transformation, we must act with agreement and understanding to avoid potential crises. While there may be diverse needs across provinces, we believe that there cannot be significant contradictions in policies. Decisions at the policy level must align with national-level objectives.”

PM Amarasuriya stressed that education is central to shaping the human resources necessary for the country’s renaissance. 

She also called for a comprehensive approach to address challenges in the sector, including the need for professional teacher training programs, addressing staff shortages in the Educational Administrative Service, and enhancing nutrition programs for children.

The Deputy Minister of Education Dr. Madura Seneviratne, Secretary to the Prime Minister Pradeep Saputhanthree, Secretary to the Ministry of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education Mr. Nalaka Kaluwewa, Provincial Chief Secretaries, Provincial Education Secretaries, Provincial Education Directors, and other officials attended the meeting. (Newswire)

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President Ranil Wickremesinghe has emphasized the necessity of implementing a new education system to steer Sri Lanka towards economic transformation.

According to the President’s Media Division (PMD), the President has envisioned an economic transformation that aligns with global standards and can cultivate professionals suited for the competitive world market. 

The President stressed the importance of reducing exam pressures and integrating English and technology subjects into the curriculum to prepare students for the workforce. Additionally, plans are underway to establish new vocational colleges and universities of technology.

These remarks were made during President Wickremesinghe’s participation in the national program of distributing free school textbooks and uniforms at St. Anthony Girls’ College, Colpetty today (Feb 14).  

The distribution program extends to providing textbooks and official uniforms to student monks and nuns across 10,126 schools and 822 pirivens throughout the island. Symbolically, the President himself distributed uniforms and school books to both student monks and students.

During the event, St. Anthony Girls’ College Principal Sister Anne Christine presented a commemorative gift to President Ranil Wickremesinghe as a gesture of appreciation. Continuing his address, Mr. Wickremesinghe reiterated the need for educational reforms and emphasized their critical role in shaping the future of the nation.

“I live near five schools, namely my school Royal College, Thurston College, Ladies’ College, Mahanama College, and St. Anthony’s Girls’ College. This background has instilled in me a deep concern for education. During President J.R. Jayawardena’s tenure, we prioritized the development of these educational institutions.

“In 2022, the country faced a severe economic crisis that impacted every sector, including education. The inability to provide school textbooks and uniforms was a stark reality. Amidst the crisis, with no leader stepping forward, I embraced the challenge to initiate economic recovery programs.

“Through concerted efforts, the country has now achieved some economic stability. Consequently, timely provision of school uniforms and textbooks became feasible, with over Rs. 14 billion allocated for this purpose,” he said.

The President further said that he firmly advocates for education reforms and the creation of a new educational paradigm in our country.

“Our focus should be on nurturing professionals who can thrive in the global arena. To drive economic transformation, our education system must align with international standards, equipping students to compete effectively. By alleviating exam pressures and incorporating English and technology subjects, we aim to groom a workforce ready for the demands of the modern world. Plans are also underway to establish vocational colleges and technical universities to further this objective.

“None of us wish to regress to the dire state our country was in 2022, marked by long queues for gas, fuel, and food. Our collective aspiration is for a society free from such hardships. We are steadfastly committed to building a resilient economy, ensuring we never experience such turbulent times. The program to fortify Sri Lanka’s economy is currently underway, driven by our unwavering determination,” he said.

Also speaking at the event, Education Minister Dr. Susil Premajayantha commended the President’s efforts in consolidating the education sector and ensuring the provision of resources for formal education despite past constraints.

“The Chinese government donated 80% of the school uniforms provided today, while the Government of Sri Lanka covered the remaining 20%. Textbook printing utilized paper from the Indian loan aid scheme. The government ensured textbooks were delivered on time and even generated a profit from printing activities last year. The total expenditure for school uniforms and textbooks amounted to Rs. 19 billion. 

“Plans are underway to conduct the delayed G.C.E. Ordinary Level exam and G.C.E. Advanced Level exam by 2025 amidst the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and economic crisis. The President is actively contributing to education reform to align the system with global standards, aiming to cultivate a generation of globally competitive children”, he added. 

Education State Minister Aravinda Kumar, MP Yadamini Gunawardena, Western Province Governor Marshal of the Air Force Roshan Gunathilake, Education Ministry Secretary Wasantha Perera, Commissioner General of Educational Publications Z. Thajudeen, along with the Principal, teachers, and students of St. Anthony Girls’ College attended the event. (NewsWire)

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