Schools – Newswire https://www.newswire.lk Sri Lanka's largest News aggregator Thu, 18 Jun 2026 04:16:07 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.6 https://www.newswire.lk/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/favicon.png Schools – Newswire https://www.newswire.lk 32 32 Only government-approved programmes should operate in schools: PM https://www.newswire.lk/2026/06/18/only-government-approved-programmes-should-operate-in-schools-pm/ Thu, 18 Jun 2026 04:16:07 +0000 https://www.newswire.lk/?p=241135

Programs proposed by various organizations and groups that do not have government approval should not, under any circumstances, be allowedContinue Reading

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Programs proposed by various organizations and groups that do not have government approval should not, under any circumstances, be allowed to operate within schools,” Prime Minister and Minister of Education Harini Amarasuriya said.

She made the remarks while participating in a discussion with North Central Province education authorities at the Provincial Council premises in Anuradhapura on Wednesday (17).

“As a government, we are making a very large commitment to provide children with quality education. Therefore, decisions must be made based on the belief that children should be given the best,” PM Amarasuriya stated.

During the meeting with the North Central Province education authorities, wide discussions were held on education development programs in the province.

Measures taken to achieve targets of the Grade 5 scholarship, Ordinary Level and Advanced Level examinations, school development projects, subject‑related programs implemented at zonal level, and the development of schools damaged by Cyclone Ditwah were also reviewed.

PM Amarasuriya also focused on the academic, welfare, and administrative issues presented by provincial education officials.

She added that the quality of education is determined not only by examination results but also by attention to subject‑related activities. (Newswire)

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CTU calls for new circular to halt school fund collections https://www.newswire.lk/2026/02/09/ctu-calls-for-new-circular-to-halt-school-fund-collections/ Mon, 09 Feb 2026 06:59:21 +0000 https://www.newswire.lk/?p=222315

Secretary of the Ceylon Teachers’ Union (CTU) Joseph Stalin says the government will have to suspend Circular 5/2015 to effectivelyContinue Reading

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Secretary of the Ceylon Teachers’ Union (CTU) Joseph Stalin says the government will have to suspend Circular 5/2015 to effectively stop schools from collecting money.

Addressing the media, Stalin said that the suspension of Circular 5/2015 is essential to implement this decision.

“This circular states that the total expense of the school must be divided by the number of students and collected from them. This is why amounts ranging from Rs. 11,000 to Rs. 8000 are collected from secondary schools, and amounts from Rs. 3000 are collected in primary schools. Parents cannot handle such expenses under the current circumstances,” he said. 

Stalin further said that schools were collecting money for painting at present, which he pointed out was the duty of the government.

He pointed out that only a new circular explicitly prohibiting all forms of such collections would ensure compliance. 

Stalin also stated that the attempts will fail if legal action is not initiated against those found violating the new circular.

His comments come after Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya recently announced in Parliament that this year, there was no need to collect money from parents in any way.

“If you are collecting money, stop it immediately. The Education Ministry Secretary has already issued an order not to collect money in schools,” she added. (Newswire)

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Sanitary Napkin Programme for over 1 Mn schoolgirls to continue in 2026 https://www.newswire.lk/2025/12/23/sanitary-napkin-programme-for-over-1-mn-schoolgirls-to-continue-in-2026/ Tue, 23 Dec 2025 06:56:01 +0000 https://www.newswire.lk/?p=216296

Minister of Education, PM Harini Amarasuriya, says the programme to provide sanitary napkins to schoolgirls, launched in 2024 by theContinue Reading

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Minister of Education, PM Harini Amarasuriya, says the programme to provide sanitary napkins to schoolgirls, launched in 2024 by the Ministry of Education as a national initiative targeting schoolgirls in rural, estate, and economically disadvantaged areas, will continue to be implemented in 2026. 

PM Amarasuriya said in a statement that the programme covers more than one million schoolgirls above Grade 6 across schools islandwide, with a total allocation of Rs. 1.44 billion.

The details of the programme were discussed at a meeting held on Monday (22 Dec) at the Ministry of Education to review the project aimed at improving menstrual hygiene among schoolgirls. 

The discussion was held with the participation of the Deputy Minister of Education, the Secretary to the Ministry of Education, and a group of senior officials. (Newswire)

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Schools & universities : New update from Education Ministry https://www.newswire.lk/2025/12/02/schools-universities-new-update-from-education-ministry/ Tue, 02 Dec 2025 04:58:07 +0000 https://www.newswire.lk/?p=213276

Deputy Minister of Education Madhura Senevirathna has announced that it has been decided to close all schools on the islandContinue Reading

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Deputy Minister of Education Madhura Senevirathna has announced that it has been decided to close all schools on the island until further notice.

The Deputy Minister further said that higher education institutions, including universities, will remain closed until December 08.

He added that the reopening date will be announced soon.

The decision has been taken in the backdrop of the disaster faced by Sri Lanka in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah. (Newswire)

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Police dogs join the fight against drugs in Schools https://www.newswire.lk/2025/11/07/police-dogs-join-the-fight-against-drugs-in-schools/ Fri, 07 Nov 2025 05:03:31 +0000 https://www.newswire.lk/?p=209606

Sri Lanka Police have introduced two hotlines to obtain assistance from the Police Official Canine Division for drug inspections andContinue Reading

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Sri Lanka Police have introduced two hotlines to obtain assistance from the Police Official Canine Division for drug inspections and searches conducted at the school level. 

According to the Police, the national program “A United Nation” (“Ratama Ekata”) is being implemented across all state institutions for the eradication of the drug menace that has spread throughout the country.

As part of this national program, a special operation to uproot drug networks is being carried out across all provinces under the guidance of the Inspector General of Police. 

Under these special operations, school-level drug inspections and searches have now commenced, organized by the Police Headquarters with the assistance of the Police Official Canine Division.

To obtain the assistance of the Police Official Canine Division for these school-level drug inspections, the respective school principals are instructed to contact the Police Headquarters.

The assistance of the Police Official Canine Division could be obtained by contacting the telephone numbers 071-8591816 or 081-2233429. (Newswire)

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‘Clean Sri Lanka Day’ : Special programme to combat dengue in schools https://www.newswire.lk/2025/06/26/clean-sri-lanka-day-special-programme-to-combat-dengue-in-schools/ Thu, 26 Jun 2025 07:22:44 +0000 https://www.newswire.lk/?p=192720

The Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the Clean Sri Lanka Secretariat, has organised a dengue eradication programme across allContinue Reading

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The Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the Clean Sri Lanka Secretariat, has organised a dengue eradication programme across all schools island-wide on 9th July.

According to the President’s Media Division (PMD), the dengue eradication programme is being launched to mitigate the current spread of Dengue and Chikungunya. 

A discussion regarding the organisational aspects of this programme, named “Clean Sri Lanka Day”, was held this week at the Ministry of Education, chaired by Deputy Minister of Education, Madura Seneviratne.

The day’s activities will encompass various initiatives, including preventing disease transmission and identifying and eliminating mosquito breeding grounds. The programme aims to foster environmental, social and attitudinal changes among schoolchildren.

Furthermore, in conjunction with this effort, plans are underway to implement activities across all 10,096 schools in Sri Lanka. These will include art and poster exhibitions, drama, cultural and musical performances and awareness lectures, all with the participation of students and teachers.

Support for this initiative is expected from the Ministry of Health and its affiliated institutions, the Sri Lanka Police, the Tri-Forces, the Civil Security Department, District and Divisional Secretariats and Governor’s Offices. There are also plans to extend this programme to Teacher Training Colleges and Vocational Training Institutes in the future. (Newswire)

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Schools in China closing amid population decline https://www.newswire.lk/2024/08/07/schools-in-china-closing-amid-population-decline/ Wed, 07 Aug 2024 13:15:44 +0000 http://www.newswire.lk/?p=154682

Faced with a declining birth rate and ageing population, China is experiencing a shortage of schoolchildren. As a result, multipleContinue Reading

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Faced with a declining birth rate and ageing population, China is experiencing a shortage of schoolchildren. As a result, multiple provinces are scaling back teacher hiring, according to a report in South China Morning Post.

Major cutback in teaching jobs, traditionally seen as secure and prestigious in China, are worsening the country’s employment challenges. With a massive labour force, particularly among young people, creating sufficient jobs has become increasingly difficult.

Education authorities in the eastern province of Jiangxi informed this year’s new preschool, primary and secondary school teaching positions would be cut by 54.7 percent to 4,968 – less than one-third of its recruitment two years ago.

While in the neighbouring Hubei province, employment of schoolteachers has dropped by one-fifth over the same period.

Main reason for the decline drop appears to be the declining numbers of schoolchildren, as China experiences a period of “ultra-low” fertility, with fewer than 1.4 live births per woman over a lifetime.

As per the Jiangxi authorities, the province’s population share of children aged 0-15 has declined in each of the past four years, with a drop of 480,900 last year – the biggest decline since 2020.

With a drop in student numbers, the department has determined that education resources need restructuring. This decision comes as 20% of rural schools with fewer than 100 pupils have been shut down.

Same circumstances prevail in central China’s Hunan province. Last year education authorities announced there would be no new kindergartens built in rural areas.

Notably, the total number of children in Hunan’s kindergartens decreased by 14.79 per cent to 319,400 in 2023, compared to the last year.

A similar condition prevailed across the country, with national data showing a decline in the number of preschool children for the third consecutive year.

The Ministry of Education report shows that there were fewer than 275,000 kindergartens previous year – a drop of 14,800 from 2022. Enrolments declined in the same period by 5.35 million to 40.9 million. (WION)

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Schools to function tomorrow amidst reports of strike https://www.newswire.lk/2024/07/08/schools-to-function-tomorrow-amidst-reports-of-strike/ Mon, 08 Jul 2024 07:12:25 +0000 http://www.newswire.lk/?p=151980

Academic functions of all state schools will continue as normal tomorrow (July 09), the Ministry of Education announced. The MinistryContinue Reading

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Academic functions of all state schools will continue as normal tomorrow (July 09), the Ministry of Education announced.

The Ministry of Education issued a notice on school activities amidst warnings of a possible strike by teachers and principals on Tuesday.

Teachers and principals have staged multiple protests in the recent past over several demands, including salary anomalies. (Newswire)

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Referee assault : This week’s Schools Rugby matches suspended https://www.newswire.lk/2024/07/04/referee-assault-this-weeks-schools-rugby-matches-suspended/ Thu, 04 Jul 2024 06:44:54 +0000 http://www.newswire.lk/?p=151701

The rugby encounters scheduled for this week under the Schools Rugby League 2024 have been postponed due to a decisionContinue Reading

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The rugby encounters scheduled for this week under the Schools Rugby League 2024 have been postponed due to a decision by the Sri Lanka Rugby Football Referees (SLSRFR) to abstain from officiating matches for the next two weeks.

The SLSRFR has decided to abstain from officiating matches of the Schools Rugby League 2024 until July 15, 2024.

The decision has been taken over the incident that occurred on June 30 following the game between Science College and S. Thomas’, where the referees had allegedly been assaulted by Science College supporters. 

The Sri Lanka Schools’ Rugby Football Association (SLSRFA) has launched an independent investigation into the incident, alongside the ongoing investigations underway by the Mount Lavinia Police.

The SLSRFA has also expressed its unconditional apology to the SLSRFR and has requested the match officials to reconsider their decision which has resulted in the suspension of the Schools ‘A’ Division League Rugby tournaments. (Newswire)

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Special notice for school students https://www.newswire.lk/2024/06/03/special-notice-for-school-students/ Mon, 03 Jun 2024 07:04:44 +0000 http://www.newswire.lk/?p=149056

The Ministry of Education has decided to close government schools in some districts and education zones due to the prevalentContinue Reading

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The Ministry of Education has decided to close government schools in some districts and education zones due to the prevalent adverse weather conditions.

Accordingly, all schools in the Galle, Matara, Kegalle, Ratnapura, and Kalutara Districts will be closed on Tuesday (June 04).

All schools in the Homagama Zone in the Western Province will also remain closed tomorrow. 

However, all schools outside these districts will function as normal tomorrow. (Newswire)

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School closure rumours: Education Ministry issues special statement https://www.newswire.lk/2024/05/21/school-closure-rumors-education-ministry-issues-special-statement/ Tue, 21 May 2024 09:16:15 +0000 http://www.newswire.lk/?p=147893

The Ministry of Education has issued a special statement addressing a false announcement circulating on social media, which claimed thatContinue Reading

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The Ministry of Education has issued a special statement addressing a false announcement circulating on social media, which claimed that all schools on the island would be closed on Wednesday, May 22.

The Ministry clarified that no decision has been made to close schools tomorrow, and that schools across the island will remain open.

The Ministry also emphasized that the authority to make decisions based on special situations rests with the Provincial Education Secretaries and Provincial Education Directors. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka to implement artificial intelligence courses in schools https://www.newswire.lk/2024/02/13/sri-lanka-to-implement-artificial-intelligence-courses-in-schools/ Tue, 13 Feb 2024 09:28:44 +0000 http://www.newswire.lk/?p=139662

The proposal to introduce courses on artificial intelligence to the education system has received Cabinet approval.  The government said itContinue Reading

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The proposal to introduce courses on artificial intelligence to the education system has received Cabinet approval. 

The government said it was decided at the Cabinet meeting held in October last year that it was appropriate to introduce courses on artificial intelligence in the education system per the recommendations made by the task force appointed for the formation of a national strategy and plan related to artificial intelligence. 

As a part of the strategic plan, a pilot project is designed to introduce artificial intelligence courses to general education. 

As such, the Cabinet approved the proposal presented by the President, in his capacity as the Minister of Technology, and the Minister of Education to implement the said pilot project with the support of Microsoft as follows, 

  • To revise the international syllabus currently implemented by the Microsoft Institute based on the recommendations of the National Institute of Education and commence the proposed pilot projects from grade 8 in schools where the necessary basic human resources are available.
  • Digitization of schools selected for the pilot project under the facilities provided by the Microsoft institute
  • Training of 100 Information and Communication Technology subject teachers as trainers by Microsoft Institute (NewsWire)

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Notice for certain schools in Southern Province https://www.newswire.lk/2023/10/23/notice-for-certain-schools-in-southern-province/ Mon, 23 Oct 2023 04:28:30 +0000 http://www.newswire.lk/?p=129816

Zonal Education Directors have been entrusted with powers to decide on the operations of schools in the Akuressa, Deniyaya, Mulatiyana,Continue Reading

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Zonal Education Directors have been entrusted with powers to decide on the operations of schools in the Akuressa, Deniyaya, Mulatiyana, and Walasmulla areas.

The Director of Education of the Southern Province announced that the decision has been taken due to inclement weather experienced in the areas.

Accordingly, Zonal Education Directors have been entrusted with the power to decide the closing of schools in the said areas based on the inclement weather conditions. (NewsWire)

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Nearly 800 schools built in distant regions closed – PM https://www.newswire.lk/2023/10/16/nearly-800-schools-built-in-distant-regions-closed-pm/ Mon, 16 Oct 2023 12:39:55 +0000 http://www.newswire.lk/?p=129302

Education officials should focus deeply on protecting and preserving schools instead of closing schools, Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena said. TheContinue Reading

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Education officials should focus deeply on protecting and preserving schools instead of closing schools, Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena said.

The PM revealed that eight hundred schools built by Sri Lankan elites in distant regions have been closed as per current statistics. 

According to the Prime Minister’s Office, PM Gunawardena expressed these views today (Oct 16) at the inauguration of the new Matika Mata Uphara building at Wellawatte Vaishaka Vidyalaya affiliated to Lindsey Girls’ College, Colombo.

This Vaishaka College, which was started in 1935 with the donation of philanthropist E.S. Fernando, was proposed to close down in the year 2016 but was revived and affiliated with Lindsey Girls’ College, Bambalapitiya.

Addressing the occasion the Prime Minister stated all officials holding positions in the education sector in Sri Lanka should think deeply about the issue of school closures. 

“We never got more schools from the government. It is the schools that our people built with great difficulty that have brought this country to the highest place in the field of education. We must not forget that. Under the program to integrate all schools for a national education program, our country has reached the pinnacle in the field of education. We have to move forward in the world by overcoming challenges. 

“The E. S. Fernando family is a most respected family in Wellawatte. One can recollect the great service rendered by Mr E. S. Fernando in establishing Vaishaka College, which originated with such a profound name and produced a large number of students who have succeeded in an array of paths. Wellawatte is a place of literature and culture. The world-famous Nobel Prize winner Pablo Neruda was drawn to Wellawatte because it is a literary haven. It is very important for us to preserve the identity of Wellawatte as a nation,” he said.

Stating that these children are the future generation of our country, the PM said that the role of teachers is to fulfil their duty and the responsibility should be to perform more duties to make our children good citizens. 

“We have been taught two factors, responsibilities and duties. Our duty is the position we hold. Responsibilities are the obligations we have to fulfil on behalf of human society. As responsible citizens is there any possibility to see the closure of this successful school for a trivial reason? This is a good eye-opener for education officials. As the Prime Minister, it is my duty to recall these. Eight hundred schools built by our elites and given to us in distant regions have been closed. This is the statistics. We cannot start all those schools again for the villagers.”

“If any resource is received for education, if it is donated for education, let’s add it creatively to the school. If you can produce children equipped with all three languages, you are beginning another chapter for their future. We believe that when they leave the fifth grade, they will be interested in adding information technology knowledge for the betterment of their future,” he added.

Bambalapitiya Siri Vajiraramadhipati Aggamaha Pandita Most Ven. Thricunamale Ananda Thera and the Mahasangha, Desashakthi, Deshakeerthi, Diriya Mata, Mathika Mata Bhikshuni, former Speaker Deshmanya Karu Jayasuriya, Member of Parliament Yadamini Gunawardena and teachers, parents and students joined this event. (NewsWire)

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Southern Province schools : Notice from Education Ministry https://www.newswire.lk/2023/10/10/southern-province-schools-notice-from-education-ministry/ Tue, 10 Oct 2023 05:13:01 +0000 http://www.newswire.lk/?p=128773

All government schools in the Galle and Matara Districts will reopen tomorrow, (October 11), the Education Secretary to the SouthernContinue Reading

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All government schools in the Galle and Matara Districts will reopen tomorrow, (October 11), the Education Secretary to the Southern Province announced.

According to the Education Secretary, however, schools affected by floods will remain closed until further notice.

The Education Ministry decided to close all government schools in the Galle and Matara Districts on Monday and Tuesday this week due to the inclement weather experienced in the areas in the past few days.

As a result, the Governor of the Southern Province also decided at the time, to postpone indefinitely Term Tests in schools in the province, which were scheduled to start from October 12.

However, the schools in the province, except those affected by floods will resume academic activities from tomorrow. (NewsWire)

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President launches ‘Capital Market Club’ initiative in 100 chosen schools https://www.newswire.lk/2023/08/31/president-launches-capital-market-club-initiative-in-100-chosen-schools/ Thu, 31 Aug 2023 11:39:49 +0000 http://www.newswire.lk/?p=125728

Schools will engage in discussions about the Central Bank Annual Report with the complete support of the Central Bank ofContinue Reading

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Schools will engage in discussions about the Central Bank Annual Report with the complete support of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka starting next year, President Ranil Wickremesinghe announced today.

The President made the announcement while launching the ‘Capital Market Club’ programme at Nugawela Central College in Kandy.

In a strategic move toward a developed Sri Lanka by 2048, President Ranil Wickremesinghe emphasized the dual importance of technology and financial literacy for the next generations. 

Speaking at the inauguration of the ‘Capital Market Club’ program in Kandy, President Wickremesinghe disclosed key plans for this transformative journey.

“Currently, we’ve selected 100 schools for participation, with the intention to expand this number subsequently. I urge the stock market and the Securities Exchange Commission to actively collaborate and extend their involvement. I request their engagement in overseeing one or two of these associations, providing their valuable support, the President said.

President Wickremesinghe further said that a seed fund of Rs.10 million has been allocated for the program’s initiation, and each school will receive Rs. 100,000. 

According to the President’s Media Division (PMD), among the President’s notable announcements was the integration of the Central Bank’s reports into schools for discussion. 

To facilitate this, the Central Bank of Sri Lanka is set to introduce a comprehensive training program for teachers and student leaders. This initiative aims to bolster awareness of the stock market and enhance financial literacy among students across the nation.

The collaborative effort behind this program involves the Presidential Secretariat, the Ministry of Education, the Securities and Exchange Commission, and the Colombo Stock Exchange. These institutions have joined forces to execute President Wickremesinghe’s vision, with the ultimate goal of cultivating an informed and financially aware younger generation.

During the ceremony, President Wickremesinghe presented the charter certificate and a substantial grant of Rs. 100,000 to Principal Dhammika Bandara, marking the establishment of the Capital Market Club at the Nugawela Central College. 

Moreover, the President handed over a compilation of knowledge-packed books on ‘Capital Market Clubs’ to Mrs. Achini Kanitiwela, who is spearheading the subject.

The Secretary of the Ministry of Education M.M. Ranasinghe, Securities and Exchange Commission Director General Chinthaka Mendis and Colombo Stock Exchange Chief Executive Officer Rajiva Bandaranaike signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on this program.

The artistic contributions of the college’s art teacher, Mrs. Nayana Wijekoon, were also acknowledged with the presentation of a portrait of President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s full statement;

“The world will pass us by if we rotate in one place,” emphasized the Minister of Education during his speech, where he referenced the lyrics of a song. With this perspective in mind, we are launching this program today.

For a considerable period, we operated within the paradigms of the industrial age that characterized the mid-20th century and these principles infiltrated our political landscape. The outcomes of this approach don’t need elaboration.

In the years 2021 and 2022, our nation faced the dual challenges of economic distress and the Covid epidemic, leading us to a state of economic insolvency. However, I have initiated a program to rescue our country from this dire situation. It is noteworthy that our government is successfully navigating this endeavour.

Our focus must now shift towards advancing without regressing into the abyss that threatens our nation’s progress. It’s imperative to decide whether we should persist with mid-20th century policies or chart a new course with fresh perspectives. Adhering to outdated methods would jeopardize our country’s very existence, considering the significant gap between our current state and our desired destination.

Equally crucial is ensuring that the upcoming generation, entrusted with the country’s future, does not inherit such a predicament. Thus, embarking on a technological journey becomes imperative. The technological strides of the 21st century need no introduction.

Recalling our school days, where a telephone in every village was a distant dream, it’s striking to observe that today, mobile phones are omnipresent. Some individuals even possess multiple devices. Such is the transformation.

While embracing this change, it is paramount to introduce modern technology to our nation. Substantial efforts are already underway, both within the Ministry of Education and various research institutes. Consequently, determining the implementation of new technological methods becomes a pivotal task. From blockchain technology to artificial intelligence and genome science, we must forge ahead with these innovations.

Crucially, these advancements should reach rural communities. Our initiative to modernize agriculture aims to bring these technologies closer to home. However, it’s essential to acknowledge that technology alone is insufficient. These endeavours require financial support within a society that operates on monetary transactions. The current governmental landscape lacks the means to entirely govern monetary utilization and this holds true on both the domestic and international fronts.

In the past, the digital realm was a distant concept. It was in 1993 that I signed the agreement to introduce the internet to Sri Lanka. Until then, these possibilities were alien to us. Thanks to this new technology, we have swiftly connected with the global community.

In today’s competitive economic climate, financial systems operate without heeding national boundaries. Whether favourable or not, we must adapt within these constraints. The global economy draws its sustenance from various sources, including banks and stock markets. Money serves as the driving force.

Ultimately, it’s essential to acknowledge the pivotal role of money. Similar to the private sector, the government also engages with the money market and issues Treasury Bonds. Today, our objective is to acquaint you with this methodology, marking the initial step in this educational journey.

Furthermore, my aspiration is to introduce discussions on the Central Bank report within schools starting from the upcoming year. I am actively engaging with the Ministry of Finance in this endeavour. To facilitate this, we are equipping both teachers and student leaders with training, while also garnering support from bank officials.

This initiative underscores the need for familiarity with contemporary methods. Our focus extends beyond the mere dissemination of knowledge; it encompasses financial literacy and securities education that should reach even the most remote villages. Talented individuals reside within these communities and it is incumbent upon us to provide them with the essential training.

Simultaneously, we must recognize that today’s world operates as a single market. To align with this reality, we are in the process of signing multiple free trade agreements. Deliberations are ongoing with nations such as Singapore, India, Bangladesh, Thailand, Indonesia, China, Malaysia and Vietnam. 

Anticipated expansions into new markets encompass East Asia, South East Asia, Australia, New Zealand and Japan. Additionally, conversations are underway with the European Union to explore potential facilities. In a fortnight, a delegation from the United States will be visiting our nation for discussions. Hence, a comprehensive awareness of the global market and these agreements becomes paramount.

The emerging economy we are shaping is both environmentally conscious and digitally driven. Within the framework of this green and digital economy, securities hold their place. This paradigm shift introduces novel approaches. 

Complementing this transition, our focus extends to an offshore economy. Discussions involving specialized bar associations in London are shaping the corresponding legal landscape. A critical decision lies before us: whether to embrace these pioneering economic systems or remain in stagnation.

In a decade or so, a significant majority of our populace will fall within the 25-35 age bracket. Today, the imperative to chart one’s future looms large. We provide the essential knowledge, but the hands-on application lies in your hands. This program has been inaugurated today.

Currently, we’ve selected 100 schools for participation, with intentions to expand this number subsequently. I urge the stock market and the Securities Exchange Commission to actively collaborate and extend their involvement. I request their engagement in overseeing one or two of these associations, providing their valuable support.

A seed fund of Rs.10 million has been allocated for the program’s initiation. Accordingly, each school will receive Rs. 100,000. I beseech that we confine this financial aspect to this amount. After a year has elapsed, we will evaluate the successful implementation of this program by each school.

The winning school, along with its subject teacher and 10 students, will be rewarded with a trip to Singapore to study the workings of its stock market for a brief period. Hence, I emphasize the need to limit the monetary allocation to Rs. 100,000. This rule applies uniformly, irrespective of whether the school is located in an underprivileged or affluent area. Additionally, we aspire to extend opportunities to the second and third-place contenders. This endeavour aligns with our mission to bring the new economy to the grassroots level.

With this challenge, I entrust you as part of the grand vision to transform our country into a developed nation by 2048. My heartfelt gratitude extends to all those who have contributed to and orchestrated this endeavour.

While visiting Nugawela Central today, I was reminded of another significant chapter in our educational history. It was during that time that the concept of middle schools was introduced and subsequently adopted by the State Council under the leadership of the then Minister of Education, C.W.W. Kannangara. This initiative faced backlash, as evidenced by his defeat in the parliamentary elections by the people of Horana.

Such challenges are an integral part of an education minister’s journey. In contrast, D.S. Senanayake, the subsequent Prime Minister of the following government, assumed office. Mr. Nugawela, affectionately known as Mr. A.D. Nugawela, was appointed as the Minister of Education. He played a pivotal role in establishing 50 schools and we extend our gratitude for founding 49 additional schools in addition to Nugawela Central College. It is with a deep sense of contentment that I embark on this new program within a school that he had envisioned and established.”

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Susil Premajayanth, the Minister of Education, underscored the origins of STEM education stemming from a survey conducted in the United States of America in 1999. This educational framework was subsequently introduced by 2003 and its global adoption is evident with approximately a hundred nations currently implementing this system. Reflecting this trend, the nation has embarked upon the incorporation of STEM education.

While these educational models demonstrate theoretical worth within the limits of the classroom, the challenges lie in their practical implementation. A notable concern arises from the observation that a substantial number of students lack comprehension in areas such as cheques and bills of exchange. The disconnection between classroom instruction and real-world applications becomes apparent, particularly in fields like commerce. Despite the presence of numerous commercial banks within Sri Lanka, students studying commerce seldom gain hands-on exposure to banking operations. The limited accessibility to the intricacies of the capital market poses another challenge.

To address these gaps, a pioneering initiative is being launched today. This initiative aims to equip school leavers with substantial knowledge to engage as informed investors. By bridging the gap between theoretical instruction and practical experience, this project seeks to empower students with a profound understanding of investment dynamics and the workings of the capital market.

Mr. Randula Abeyweera, the Presidential Director of Youth Affairs and Sustainable Development, metaphorically conveyed the notion that a small seed sown in the ground can eventually grow into a towering tree, providing shade to countless individuals. This metaphor serves as a symbolic inspiration for the current endeavour taking place within capital market schools.

Aligned with the visionary principles set forth by President Ranil Wickremesinghe, a comprehensive strategy has been devised to establish capital market clubs within educational institutions. This strategic initiative has been set in motion, starting with the meticulous selection of 100 schools based on their outstanding performance in the commercial sector as gauged by A-level results. This discerning approach aims to foster a dynamic learning environment that bridges the gap between theoretical instruction and real-world application in the realm of capital markets.

Mr. Rajiva Bandaranaike, the Chief Executive Officer of the Colombo Stock Exchange, expressed the profound significance of the Capital Market Club’s inauguration, in alignment with the visionary principles championed by the President. This club, which was launched today, is aptly characterized as an investment in the future. The gravity of this initiative is underscored by the collaborative effort involving four prominent national institutions. The understanding that collective endeavours yield greater outcomes than individual pursuits is at the core of this strategic move.

The overarching objectives encompass expanding the participation base within the capital market domain, fostering synergistic educational collaborations and establishing distinguished financial educational brands. By embarking on this journey, the initial stride has been taken toward translating this visionary concept into tangible action. This step symbolizes a deliberate commitment to driving transformative change within the realm of financial education and engagement.

Mr. Faisal Saleh, the Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka, emphasized the paramount significance of financial literacy in the context of capital market involvement. He noted a prevalent lack of knowledge concerning financial literacy within the region. In response, the establishment of these Capital Market Clubs has been undertaken to provide comprehensive insights into the prudent utilization of money. By introducing these educational platforms within the school framework, students can acquire a foundational understanding of financial matters directly within the academic environment. 

Notably, students have exhibited keen interest in this subject matter. Schools have orchestrated plans to disseminate this valuable knowledge to students starting from the 6th grade onwards. The Ministry of Education and the Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka play pivotal roles in directly facilitating this initiative. Furthermore, arrangements are in place to conduct seminars targeting school students in the future, augmenting their financial literacy journey. The hope is to garner support from key figures, such as the President and the Minister of Education, to incorporate this subject into the revised school syllabus.

The event witnessed the presence of Minister Keheliya Rambukwella, State Ministers Lohan Ratwatte, Dilum Amunugama, Member of Parliament Gunathilaka Rajapaksa, Central Province Governor Lalith U. Gamage, President’s Secretary Saman Ekanayake, Chairman of the Colombo Stock Exchange Dilshan Weerasekera, along with government officials, Principals, teachers, students and a diverse assembly of attendees. (NewsWire)

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