A discussion was held at the Ministry with the participation of the Prime Minister and the Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, together with members of the Task Force of Buddhist Affairs, including Royal Pandit and Shasthrapathi Ven. Thirikunamale Ananda Thero, Professor Ven. Agalakada Sirisumana Thero, and other lay and ordained members.

At this discussion, the Prime Minister and the Minister of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, emphasized that under the present government, there will be no form of reduction or removal of religious education, as well as aesthetic subjects.

Furthermore, in response to a query raised by members of the Task Force of Buddhist Affairs regarding the contents of the Buddhist textbook under the new curriculum, the Director of the Branch of Religious and Moral Studies explained that, in line with the education reforms scheduled to be implemented in the year 2026, from the very first lesson of the first module in Grade 6, all children are expected to receive a basic understanding of all religions. Thereafter, they will have the opportunity to study their own religion.

Attention was also drawn to the shortage of teachers for the subject of Buddhism. As a solution to this issue, Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya stated that, at present, information on teachers is being collected covering all provinces. Afterwards, in accordance with a systematic plan, teachers will be recruited and appointed, thereby balancing the teacher distribution.

Media Unit