The new education reforms based on activity-oriented learning represent an integrated collective effort within the education system.
A media briefing was held today (6th) at the Ministry of Education under the patronage of Mr. Nalaka Kaluwewa, Secretary to the Ministry of Education, with the objective of informing the public about the current status of the new education reform process scheduled to be implemented from next year, and several related matters including the proposed extension of school hours by 30 minutes.
Expressing his views, Mr. Kaluwewa stated that the new education transformation, which marks the beginning of a significant change, is scheduled to be implemented from the year 2026. He further mentioned that the National Institute of Education is conducting training programs for the trainers who will train others under this new system, and that approximately 99% of this work has already been completed. Training programs for teachers of Grades 1 and 6 are expected to be completed by 31 December 2025, while the 106 modules required for one term of those grades will be printed and finalized within the next two weeks.
Referring to the much-discussed extension of school hours by 30 minutes, the Secretary stated that this will be implemented for students from Grade 5 upwards. He further explained that since the new reform introduces an activity-based learning process, the extension of a single period to 50 minutes is a result of the overall restructuring of the system. In this connection, discussions have already been held with institutions such as the Department of Railways, the Department of Transport, and the National Transport Commission to make necessary adjustments to public transport schedules, including trains and buses.
Furthermore, he stated that awareness programs covering all nine provinces to inform educational authorities and school principals about the new reforms scheduled for next year are already being implemented and are now reaching their final stage. A series of awareness meetings for parents is also scheduled to be conducted during December, according to the Ministry Secretary.
Speaking at the same media briefing, the Director General and Deputy Director General of the National Institute of Education noted that in preparing the new syllabuses, a broad study of education systems in various countries around the world had been carried out. They added that the new curriculum has been designed to suit children’s psychology and to prepare them for the future world of work.
Under the new transformative education reform, the foundation for vocational education will be introduced from Grade 10 onwards, and the system will be designed in such a way that these vocational studies can be continued under the G.C.E. Advanced Level streams as well.
Responding to a question raised by a journalist regarding the extension of school hours, Mr. Kaluwewa said that the reform aims to create students who can adapt to a world progressing hand in hand with modern technology, and he expressed hope that teachers would extend their fullest cooperation towards this transformation.
Participating in the media briefing were the Director General and Deputy Director General of the National Institute of Education, the Commissioner General of Examinations, the Commissioner General of Educational Publications, as well as Additional Secretaries and Directors of the Ministry of Education.
Media Unit
Ministry of Education
