Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa today questioned Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya on her recent clarification that the government had not promised 6% allocation for the Education Sector at once.
Addressing the Parliament, MP Premadasa pointed out that PM Amarasuriya had been part of the large-scale protests conducted in 2012, calling for the 6% allocation.
“Do you remember when the Prime Minister once wore a T-shirt saying 6% for education? You were part of the protest. Where is that 6% now?” the Opposition Leader questioned.
MP Premadasa pointed out that a lesser amount has been allocated for education in the Budget 2026 compared to this year, questioning why the Prime Minister was not pushing for a higher allocation of funds.
Responding to the questions, PM Harini Amarasuriya said the government will always stand for a 06% allocation for education.
She further explained that UNESCO’s Education 2030 Framework for Action recommends that countries allocate at least 4% to 6% of their Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to education.
“We started the protest calling for a 6%allocation for education in 2011. The allocation for education from 2011 to 2024 was not done under our government. Those who are now agreeing to a 6% allocation could have intervened then, as they were in power. But they did not. Once we assumed power, we increased the allocation in our first budget, and have made a further increase in our second budget. We have proven that our government is working towards the 6% allocation target,” she said.
PM Amarasuriya pointed out that those who failed to work towards the 6% allocation from 2011 to 2024 were now questioning the government why the allocation wasn’t made, at a time when the government was actually working towards the target.
“I don’t see logic in this questioning. However, we are firm on our stance. We have shown through our work our commitment to the education sector and systematic allocation of funds. Our election manifesto clearly states that a 6% allocation will be systematically made for education. That is what we are doing,” she added. (Newswire)