It has been observed that a certain group of individuals is maintaining a WhatsApp group network purportedly aimed at bringing together teachers from each educational zone under the initiative titled “The Educational Council Emerging Through the New Educational Reforms.” Please be informed that this WhatsApp group is not operated by, nor does it have the approval of, the Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education. Accordingly, the Ministry bears no responsibility for any activities carried out through this group.

Furthermore, the public is kindly requested not to be misled by such fake groups, which are being operated with the intention of discrediting the new educational reform program and the government, and to remain vigilant regarding such matters.

Media Unit

– Secretary to the Ministry of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education, Nalaka Kaluwewa

A fabricated document, falsely presented as a draft bill for the National Education Reforms proposed for the year 2026, is currently being circulated across social media platforms. Secretary to the Ministry of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education, Mr. Nalaka Kaluwewa, stated that this document has not been issued by the Ministry, any affiliated institution, or any authorized body in any capacity.

He further mentioned that necessary legal action will be taken in due course regarding the preparation and circulation of this fake document on social media.

Media Unit

– Prime Minister and the Minister of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya

The Parliamentary Subcommittee on Education Reforms, chaired by Prime Minister and the Minister of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, convened yesterday (22) in Parliament.

Responding to questions raised by Members of Parliament during the session, the Prime Minister stated that, starting from the year 2027, a single uniform curriculum will be implemented for all preschools throughout the country.

She further mentioned that the framework for the Early Childhood Education Curriculum has now been completed, and that a training program for approximately nineteen thousand preschool teachers is scheduled to commence on November 25, 2025. Teacher training will be conducted in every province, enabling the implementation of the teaching process in accordance with the new curriculum framework, the Minister added.

The Prime Minister further emphasized that no schools will be closed, and that the current government’s policy is to consolidate and develop schools. She noted that this is being carried out with the aim of improving the quality of the education system and ensuring equal opportunities for all.

Participating in this Parliamentary Subcommittee meeting were Members of Parliament, the Secretary to the Ministry of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education, Mr. Nalaka Kaluwewa, officials of the National Institute of Education, and other officers of the Ministry.

Media Unit

These new education reforms are to be implemented under five main pillars — introducing a new curriculum, developing human resources, improving infrastructure facilities, raising public awareness, and ensuring proper evaluation and assessment. Preparations have been made to introduce these new education reforms initially for students of Grade One and Grade Six in the year 2026.

The National Institute of Education has been entrusted with the primary responsibility of preparing the subject syllabuses required for general education and promoting quality education. Programs to educate principals and teachers about these education reforms are being conducted island-wide at provincial and district levels. Under the Human Resource Development Program, the Faculty of Educational Leadership Development and Management of the National Institute of Education has organized the training program for principals of Sinhala-medium schools, which is presently being held at the Meepe Teachers’ Training Centre.

Media Unit

– Minister of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya

For several decades, various issues that have emerged within Sri Lanka’s school system have created numerous challenges in the field of education. The inequalities among schools have become a key factor leading to serious problems in the teaching and learning process of students, stated the Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, at a ceremony held at the Ministry of Education.

The Minister further said that the competitive education system has caused stress among students in their learning process, pressure on teachers in their teaching process, and challenges faced by principals in school management — all primarily stemming from inequalities among schools. She also stated that the present government is making significant efforts to eliminate these disparities.

She emphasized that reducing these inequalities is one of the fundamental aims of the educational reforms. Furthermore, the priority is to enhance the quality of the teaching and learning process rather than the reputation of a school name, in order to ensure that children receive the quality educational experiences they deserve.

It was highlighted that the active participation, leadership, example, and contribution of principals and teachers are essential for improving the quality of the educational process. The Minister also noted that the educational reform process focuses not only on revising curricula but also on developing human resources, improving administrative efficiency, distributing infrastructure facilities equitably, and digitalizing the educational process.

She further stated that the educational reforms are being implemented systematically and in a planned manner, identifying weaknesses within the system and taking steps to modernize and update it. The goal is to establish the fundamental framework within three years based on a clear vision and objectives, followed by effective administrative reforms and infrastructure and digital modernization initiatives.

To improve children’s learning experiences, steps have already been taken to increase classroom facilities and to limit the number of students per class, with primary classes limited to 40 students and secondary classes to 45 students, according to the Minister.

The Minister added that she is determined to transform the education system from being merely an institution registering students for examinations into a center that provides meaningful experiences and quality learning.

It was further emphasized that the direct involvement of parents and citizens is vital in this transformation, and that despite challenges, it is a journey that must be undertaken together as a united nation.

Media Unit

– Prime Minister and the Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education Dr. Harini Amarasuriya

The Prime Minister and the Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, stated that the Digital Task Force was appointed for the purpose of implementing educational reforms, and that a remarkable transformation in education can be achieved through digitalization.

Participating in the quarterly progress review discussion of the Parliamentary Digital Task Force on Education, held in Parliament for the awareness of Members of Parliament, the Minister made these remarks.

Further expressing her views, the Prime Minister stated as follows:

“Digital education is a process that moves forward together with educational reforms. For the sake of these digital educational reforms, we appointed a Digital Task Force for a period of three years, to prepare policies, guide, and take the necessary next steps.

When we establish the foundation for digital education and provide it to the children, the children will advance along that path. Therefore, it is mandatory for us to establish the foundation, structure, and policies for digital education and prepare the necessary steps accordingly. For that purpose, we value the contribution received from you.”

Following the Minister’s statement, the Additional Secretary to the Prime Minister, Mr. A. B. M. Asraff, also expressed his views at the occasion:

“Currently, there is a shortage of about 42,000 teachers. This shortage is spread across all subjects and all regions. Here, we are attempting to provide some relief through digitalization. In the future, we will also work towards preparing information technology facilities for education and providing the necessary equipment for it.

If a disaster occurs, how do we face it? What kind of digital technology should a school have? We are looking into such matters. Likewise, we are also prepared to take the necessary measures to protect children from becoming addicted to the internet and electronic devices.”

Further expressing his views, Mr. A. B. M. Asraff stated that children should not be made prisoners of education, but instead digitalization should be used to give children a new life, reduce existing inequalities, and improve the education of children in schools located in difficult areas.

Media Unit

With the objective of preparing a comprehensive national policy for the field of higher education, the National Committee on Higher Education Policy Development convened at the Ministry of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education.

This meeting was held under the chairmanship of the Minister of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya. At the meeting, the importance of ensuring harmony between national education innovation priorities, global standards, and local needs was highlighted.

On this occasion, the timely necessity of formulating a national policy for higher education was emphasized. The Minister further stressed that existing policies, laws, and regulatory frameworks must be reviewed and updated to suit the challenges of the new era.

The importance of proposing an open and qualitative regulatory framework for all higher education providers, as well as the responsibility of aligning the journey of the higher education sector with national development priorities and global standards, was especially underscored. Furthermore, the Minister pointed out that through this new national policy review within the higher education sector, it will be possible to take steps to achieve the goal of building fundamental reforms and policy development proposals.

Additional Secretary (Non-Government Higher Education) Mrs. H.D. Chandima Janaki, along with a large number of university professors, lecturers, and experts, participated in this occasion.

Media Unit

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

The second meeting of the Buddhist Advisory Council was held at the Ministry of Education with leadership of the Prime Minister and the Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education Dr. Harini Amarasooriya. 

At this occasion the attention was drawn to prepare and introduce practical modules for religious education in line with the new education reforms and to prepare a formal methodology for evaluation process and to supervise them through the zonal offices and the provincial departments of education.

It was proposed to reduce the number of periods to teach other subjects for the teachers teaching the subject of religion within the school and to make compulsory to teach religion in 20 periods. And it was also discussed to update the Buddhist student society that has been inactive at the moment.   

It was also proposed to issue a special instructional manual for the priests engaged in teaching in schools.

Eleven Buddhist priests of the advisory council including the Maha Nayaka of Siri Sumana Section of Amarapura Maha Nikaya Rev. Kolonnawe Siri Sumangala Thero and Srimath Maha Nayaka of Ariyawansha Saddhamma Yukthika section of Amarapura Maha Nikaya Rev. Egodamulle Amaramoli Thero and the Commissioner General of Buddhist Affairs R.M.G. Senarathna, Additional Secretary of Education Quality Development, Commissioner General of Education Publications, the Directress of Religious and Moral Education Branch and several other officers participated in this occasion.

Media Unit  

– The Prime Minister and the Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.

The aim of proposed new education reforms is to build up an education system full of quality and equality to which all the children can enter and every possible effort will be taken to avoid children becoming dropouts from the education system due to any kind of economic, social or geographical reason, said The Prime Minister and the Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education Dr. Harini Amarasuriya. The Minister expressed this while addressing the discussion held on 29.08.2025 with the Bishop’s Education Advisory Committee of Lanka Sabha Colombo Diocese. 

Further expressing ideas at this occasion, the Prime Minister said,

We try through this education reforms to avoid the children from low-income groups to be ousted unexpectedly from the education system. If the opportunities for education have been obstructed due to various reasons such as health issues, actions will be taken to provide Inclusive Education where all such children can participate. Every possible effort is taken to achieve national education goals through the building of a quality and equitable education where everybody has an access.       

The Bishop’s Education Advisory Committee of Lanka Sabha Colombo Diocese present at this occasion submitted their proposals and ideas for education reforms 2026 and the chairmanship of this committee was held by Rev. Bishop of Colombo Father Dushantha Rodrigo.   

The Deputy Minister of Education and Higher Education Dr. Madhura Sevevirathna, the Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education Nalaka Kaluwewa, The Deputy Director General of National Institute of Education Dr. Ashoka De Silva and some other people participated in this event.

Media Unit 

“It has happened to them to bear a huge responsibility personally in monetary sphere also…”

– The Prime Minister and the Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.

A discussion was held on 26^th of August at the auditorium of Uva Provincial Council to make the educational authorities in the Uva Province aware of the new education reforms.

At that occasion The Prime Minister and the Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education Dr. Harini Amarasuriya expressed these ideas.

“Now we have come to the last stage of sensitizing the provincial level education officers about the new education reforms scheduled to be commenced in 2026. 

These series of discussions for sensitizing were started from the North Central Province about several months ago and after finishing in all other provinces, it will end in Uva Province.

We have to understand the fact that why should the education reforms requested by all, be done. Likewise, it must be understood that there is a dialogue on educational reforms commenced by Jathika Jana Balawegaya before we come to power that is from the years 2011 and 2012. We specially drew our attention towards the matters such as what is education, what is education for and what is the duty of the government in maintaining the education mechanism.

This was first started from the point of saying that the amount allocated for education must be increased. As you can remember there was a struggle of the university teachers in 2011 asking to allocate 6% for education. The UNESCO Organization has said that all the states must allocate at least 6% from the gross national product. We took it as a slogan not just from the idea of 6%, but to highlight the fact that the government must be responsible for education.     

Why did we speak like that and why did such dialogues come up? As we look at it, the education is not a private investment or a privately profit earning thing. This is an essential thing to maintain a society. The role of education is very important to transform a society and also to develop a society just as maintaining it. Therefore, the burden and the responsibility of it does not become only a personal duty. There is a social responsibility also. Duty of a society means the government also has a responsibility.

Bringing the aims of education to a private point must be prevented. If it is taken as a duty of a child and a responsibility of a family, they tend to take the benefits of it as personal benefits not taking as social benefits. What happens through this concept is increasing the personal expenditure as well as increasing the responsibility.

Practically what is happening today? How much time a mother and a father in a house allocate for the education of their children? How many hours do they reserve? Keep aside the financial matter. There is a huge gap between the mothers of our school time and the present day mothers. I know a number of mothers give up their employment for the purpose of dedicating their time for their children’s education. Fathers take leave ant stay at home during the examinations of their children. 

Then what happens? It has happened to interfere personally with the education of the child. This system of education has become so complexed to a situation where the parents cannot do their jobs peacefully after assigning their children to the school. In the financial side also, they have to bear a great responsibility.   

Because of these reasons, the education has become a thing that is done only for personal advancement but the considering education as a social responsibility or a matter directing us to understand our duty within the society, is gradually decreasing.

Then how can we create a better citizen through this education system? How do we generate the leadership required for the society through this education? Then the matter arises how we can create the person who can interfere with the social issues. The most crucial fact is that we have drawn the education to a most self-centered, highly competitive and extremely exam centered place where only the personal gains are considered.   

All those things are impregnated within the social demand for educational reforms today. So, this is an enormous task. We are talking about the would-be transformation while discussing broadly the matters such as what education is for, who must bear the responsibility of education, how should the benefits of education be achieved and what are the outcomes. 

Most of the time when we talk about educational reforms our attention is drawn to the curriculum. But I request from all of you to understand well that this transformation is not just a change in curriculum.  

Even if we brought the brightest curriculum developers in the world and make the best modules, we would not be able to reach our expected target to implement the expected best curriculum if we do not understand correctly the weak points in the system and take actions to rectify them, if we do not address properly the disparities, inequalities and injustices prevailing in this system of education and also if we do not have a clear understanding about what all these are done for. 

Therefore, the plan we are presenting for a transformation in education has been designed through 05 pillars. Accordingly, this is not a thing holding only by one end. When we are going to implement this, the challenges, protests and dialogues come. Those are essential.

Just as the Secretary of Education pointed out, we cannot do this as our final plan. This is a process, a journey proceeding with identification of issues and finding solutions for them. We have an idea where that journey must end. But if this is to be planted in the ground firmly, we must be ready to learn properly within this process and change with the experiences. Only if we do in that way, we would be able to implement this successfully.” 

The Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure Facilities Samantha Vidyarathna, the Deputy Minister of Education and Higher education Dr. Madhura Senevirathna, the Deputy Minister of Tourism Professor Ruwan Ranasinghe, the Deputy Minister of Trade, Commerce and Food Security R.M. Jayawardana, the Governor of Uva Province Attorney at Law J.M. Jayasekara, Member of Parliament Raweendra Bandara and Dinindu Saman Hennayaka, the Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education Nalaka Kaluwewa, the Chief Secretary of Uva Province Mrs. Anusha Gokula, the Additional Secretaries of the Ministry of education and the educational authorities of Uva Province had joined in this occasion.

Media Unit 

– The Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya

The importance of identifying the challenges prevailing in the education system and winning the faith of the system in the process of implementing education reforms was pointed out by The Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya while addressing the officers in the Ministry of Education.

A special discussion with the officers of the ministry of Education on new education reforms was held with the leadership of The Prime Minister at the Ministry of Education.

Expressing further views at this occasion The Prime Minister said….

“Our foremost function is to develop the human resource in this country to take it towards a transformative era with the aims and plans of the government. The fields of health and education can be identified as two key areas to draw special attention within the process of developing the human resource. Accordingly, it is essential to look at these education reforms as a process of creating the human resource necessary for taking the society into a revolutionary age not just narrowly taking as changing the curriculum or as a short-term task done within one or two years.

The Prime Minister further said that you as the authority of education must clearly understand at this moment the seriousness and the importance of the decision about the orientation of the country and the development of next generation of our country and it is essential to plan all our functions and objectives along with this reform despite whatever duties or whatever positions we have.

It is very important for each and every department and section in the ministry of education to emphasize the responsibilities vested on them and when the decisions are taken, it must be considered how they comply with the ongoing educational transformation, The Prime Minister further stated.

The Prime Minister further emphasized at this occasion the importance of identifying the challenges in the education system and winning the faith of that system when implementing the education reforms.  

The Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education Mr. Nalaka Kaluwewa, the Additional Secretaries of relevant sections of the ministry, the Directors and other officials joined with this event.

Media Unit 

– His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith

The main objective of education reforms is developing moral values in children and directing the drop out children from school education towards the vocational education.

– The Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya. 

The Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya said that the main objective of education reforms is developing ethics within children and directing the dropout children from school education towards the vocational education as well as obtaining their contribution to the development of the country.

The Prime Minister and the Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education Dr. Harini Amarasuriya had a special discussion with high-ranking Christian priests including His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith on 07^th of August at the official residence of Cardinal in Colombo to make them aware of the new education reforms scheduled to be implemented from 2026.

The Prime Minister and the Secretary of the Ministry of Education Mr. Nalaka Kaluwewa presented a detailed explanation of education reforms at this occasion.

Because all the children do not get the opportunities to engage in higher level employments, while explaining the importance of the fields like agriculture, fisheries industry, electric technical field, vehicle repairing etc., a special attention was drawn about how the foundation of it is created within the school for creating the experts in those fields by the new reforms.

A lengthy discussion was held at this occasion about the importance of selecting subject experts when the teaching vacancies are fulfilled, regularization of that selecting process and the possible measures to be taken for providing quality education to the children.

The high-ranking Christian priests including the Chairperson of Sri Lanka Bishops Congress most reverend Harold Anthony participated in this occasion.

Media Unit   

“There are no past experiences of a Minister in charge of the subject or a Secretary with a proper understanding about the subject like this, coming and conducting this kind of awareness programs…” 

“As Buddhist Priests, we appreciate that dedication…”

– Maha Nayaka Theros of Amarapura and Ramangna Chapters say to the Prime Minister.

Maha Nayaka Theros of Amarapura Chapter and Ramangna Chapter said to the Prime Minister that as the new education reforms are not merely a change happening in the field of education but it can make a positive change in the entire country, it is a national responsibility of Buddhist priests to contribute for it. 

A special discussion to make the Nayaka Theros of Amarapura and Ramanhna Chapters aware of new education reforms was held on 04^th of August at the headquarters of Sri Lanka Ramangna Chapter with the participation of Prime Minister. 

At this occasion the Prime Minister and the Secretary of the Ministry of Education Mr. Nalaka Kaluwewa presented a broad explanation to the Nayaka Theros about the national importance of new education reforms, the plan of subjects, the way of doing assessments and the objectives of the reforms. The answers to the questions raised by the Theros at this occasion were explained while discussing them with the Priests. 

About the specific responsibilities vesting on the institutions like the Ministry of Education, National Institute of Education, National Education Commission, The Department of Educational Publications and Sri Lanka Examinations Department in the process of implementing new education reforms and also about the better coordination among these institutions were also particularly discussed at this occasion.  

The Maha Nayaka Theros pointed out the changes that should be done in the areas of Pirivena education, Dhamma school education and pre-school education and they emphasized the importance of providing more space for teaching the second language through the proposed reforms. 

Furthermore, the Nayaka Theros of Maha Nikayas presented their blessings at this occasion saying that The Prime Minister as a Minister in charge of a ministry and the Secretary of the Ministry of Education as a Secretary of a ministry must be appreciated for these explanations done by them and for their dedication.  

Representing Sri Lanka Amarapura Maha Nikaya, Mahopadyaya Sahithyasuri Ganthune Assaji Maha Nayaka Thero of Amarapura Maha Nikaya in Maha Vihara tradition, Agga Maha Pandit Thrikunamalaye Ananda Maha Nayaka Thero of Amarapura Dharmarakshsitha Section, The Maha Lekhakadhikari of Sri Lanka Amarapura Maha Sangha Sabha Darshanapathi Balapitiya Siriseewali Nayaka Thero, Adhikarana Sanghanayaka of Sri Lanka Ramangha Maha Nikaya Agra Maha Pandit Professor Aththangane Rathanapala Nayaka Thero, Anu Nayaka Thero of Ramangna Maha Nikaya Waleboda Gunasiri Nayaka Thero, Anu Nayaka Thero of Ramangna Maha Nikaya retired Deputy Director of Education Deewela Mahinda Nayaka Thero, Maha Lekhakadhikari of Ramangna Maha Nikaya Shasthrapathi Aththangane Sasanarathana Nayaka Thero including the Maha Nayaka Theros of the two chapters, the Deputy Minister of Education and Higher Education Madhura Senevirathna, Education Services Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Education Kamal Ariyasena and a gathering participated in this occasion.       

The discussion to make The University Teachers’ Union and the teachers representing all universities aware of the new education reforms was held on 30th of June at the Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education with the leadership of The Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.

At this occasion The Prime Minister sensitized the university teachers about new education reforms.

The University Teachers’ Union expressed their views on the entire education reform including curriculum revisions, using digital technology, modules and activities that will be implemented by the new education reforms.

The attention was drawn by the Prime Minister towards the suggestions and views presented there and she appreciated the new ideas expressed regarding the new education reforms.

The government officers including the Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education Nalaka Kaluwewe and the representatives of the University Teacher’s Union participated in this occasion.

Media Unit.

The Anunayaka Theros of both chapters Asgiri and Malwathu requested from the Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya to be concerned for creating Bosath children with improved empathetic hearts in the process of new education reforms, instead of just an education system developing only the brain.

The Anunayaka Theros expressed these views at the discussion held at the premises of Palace of Tooth Relics in Kandy on 31^st of July to make Anunayaka Theros and the priests of Karaka Sanghasabha of both Asgiri Chapter and Malwathu Chapter aware of new education reforms with the participation of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.   

The Prime Minister and the Secretary of the Ministry of Education Mr. Nalaka Kaluwewa took action at this occasion for sensitizing the priests of both Malwathu and Asgiri Chapters about the wrong views emerged in the society about new education reforms and the true and actual situation of new education reforms.   

Speaking at this occasion Anunayaka Theros of both Asgiri and Malwathu Chapters emphasized that the teaching of moral values is very important within the new education reforms and the humanitarian and other areas that should be developed within children in addition to the vocational areas.  

The ideas about the changes that should be done in the Pirivena education along with the new education reforms were also expressed at this occasion.

Anunayaka Thero of Asgiri Chapter Rev. Wendaruwe Sri Upali Nayaka Thero, Anunayaka Thero of Malwathu Chapter Rev. Dimbulkumbure Sri Saranankara Wimaladhamma Nayaka Thero, The priests of Karaka Sangha Sabha headed by Anunayaka Thero of Malwathu Chapter Rev. Dr. Niyangoda Vijithasiri Nayaka Thero, The Deputy Minister of Education and Higher Education Madhura Senevirathna, The Governor of the Central Province Sarath Abeykoon, the Secretary of Ministry of Education Mr. Nalaka Kaluwewa and a group of people attended this occasion.

Media Unit   

– The Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.

The Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education Dr. Harini Amarasuriya said that a better quality reform will be implemented while listening to the views of suggestions and complaints in the dialogues happening with regard to education reforms and these reforms are not an activity of one party or a group but it is a national endeavor.

The Prime Minister expressed these views while participating in an awareness program held for the educational authorities of the Central Province about new education reforms at Kandy District Secretariat today (31).

Expressing further ideas at this occasion, The Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated like this,

A survey conducted by the Ministry of Education in the year 2024 revealed that when 20,000 students left the school, there is no information about what happened to them. And also 80,000 children attending schools did not come to schools regularly. Three hundred thousand children are admitted to schools annually. Out of them about one hundred and fifty thousand children leave school education in different stages and directed to vocational education or private education. About 40,000 are admitted to government universities. But nobody’s attention has been drawn to what happens to the remaining children and their future. The actions have been taken to change this situation through the new education reforms. 

Within our school education system, the children leaving schools after having 13 years of education are not able to enter the world of employment easily. The education obtained from a school has not been sufficient to go for an employment. Specially this situation has affected our girls. Although the girls have shown better competencies in the schools, the female participation in the job market is 50% less than males.  

Even if they have educational skills, children find it difficult to enter the vocational world. Not only education, there are some more reasons for it. In the same way, the social problems we are facing today are also affecting it. It is also an objective of this education reforms to create a generation who are responsible for the society, law abiding and having empathy, patience and general knowledge for entering an employment within the entire social process. 

We must create a child who can interact and transact specially within the modern technological world and within the fast-changing society. The information is reaching us in an unthinkable speed. But the children must be created to be persons who have the ability to analyze that information and to take a correct idea about the truth or false about them. The future world needs the children with an exploring mind.      

We expect to introduce a system where new selections can be done without restraining to exam results. This is the seventh dialogue we are having at the provincial level, and very important suggestions we received from all those discussions regarding how to improve reforms further. In addition to the officers in the field of education, we are having discussions with the members of parliament, professionals and trade unions. All those suggestions received through those dialogues are very important for us. This is not a responsibility of one political party or a group. This is a national program; therefore, a national consultation must happen. We are ready to listen to the suggestions, complaints and ideas emerging from those discussions and to do positive changes.   

It is not possible to do this only having discussions; it must be started from somewhere. Therefore, we start new education reforms from next year in grade 1 and grade 6, said The Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.

The Deputy Minister of Education Dr. Madhura Senevirathna, The Deputy Minister of Buddhist, Religious and Cultural Affairs Gamagedara Dissanayaka, The Governor of Central Province Sarath Abeykoon, Members of Parliament, educational authorities including the Secretary of Ministry of Education Nalaka Kaluwewa and officers of the Central Province attended in this event.

Media Unit

The Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, The Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.

Since the new education reforms are introduced only to grades 1 and 2 in 2026, the priority will be given to it and do not criticize the 50 minutes periods while remaining in the traditional method of teacher speaking and children listening, said The Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, The Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.

The Prime Minister stated this at the awareness program held in the Rathnapura District Secretariat today (26) for making the educational authorities of Sabaragamuwa Province aware of new education reforms. 

Further expressing ideas, The Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya said these things also.

We do not say the present education system is hundred per cent is wrong because the excellent people were created through it also. But a large number of children become dropouts annually. Nobody cares about them. The new education reforms do an entire restructuring of the system going beyond the curriculum development remained so far.

This system is introduced from 2026 to grades 1 and 6 and the priority will be given for it. Stage by stage the next reforms will be done. The deciding factor in educational performance is the teacher. To solve the problem of teacher shortage, the implementation of correct principle of teacher transfers and the proper distribution of teachers must be done.   

There are schools with less than 10 students in Sabaragamuwa Province. In some schools there are only 5 students per teacher. This situation must be changed. At the moment the ministry is having discussions about the teacher transfers between national schools and provincial schools. Actions will be taken to come to a decision on this in the future.   

It was revealed from a survey conducted by the Ministry of Education that 20,000 children have become dropouts from education and there no information about what happened to them so far. In the same way 80,000 children have not come to schools properly. This is a critical problem.

At present the system of education runs upon the dedication of a small number of people but a system of education cannot be relied on an individual, it must remain strongly as a system.

At the moment, a debate has been coming up about the extending the time of a period up to 50 minutes. Do not go to decide this time of period standing upon the traditional system of teaching. The new reform does not introduce the method of teacher speaking and the children listening. It is a method of engaging students practically.

The module system is introduced not to take patent for Malima government but it is a method used in the world.

The education was used so far by the past governments to propagate their names and the education was further messed up through the admission of children to the schools with the intention of obtaining votes and that situation has already been rectified said The Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.

Expressing ideas at this occasion The Deputy Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education Dr. Madhura Senevirathna said,

Some people complain that we are doing education reforms for the needs of a certain group of people and do not use the knowledge of experts, but we totally reject it. We are doing this reform according to a national requirement but not upon anybody’s wants. We say with responsibility that there is no such connection between the information they spread on social media and the new education reforms.   

The Provincial Governor Champa Janaki Rajarathna, Members of Parliament including the Chairperson of Rathnapura District Development Committee Shantha Padmakumara, The Secretary of the Ministry of Education Nalaka Kaluwewa, the officers representing the Ministry of Education, National Institute of Education and a large number of education authorities of Sabaragamuwa Province attended this meeting.

Media Unit

– The Minister of Education, higher Education and Vocational Education, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.

The Minister of Education, higher Education and Vocational Education, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that it is ready to include the substantial proposals submitted by the student parliament into the new educational reforms and instead of talking about her childhood, actions will be taken to pass on a pleasing childhood to the children.

The Prime Minister expressed this in the morning today (26) after observing the fifth session of the student parliament at Rathnapura Seevalee Central College. 

The theme of “Whether the children who see the world through present school education reforms are ready to overcome the future global challenges?” was taken for debate at the student parliament and at the end of parliamentary session, the certificates were awarded to the children by The Prime Minister.

Further expressing ideas at this occasion, The Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya said like this.

The children in student parliament have understood the new education reforms much better than parents. They had analyzed the education reforms very well. You presented in student parliament very efficiently the good, bad and challenges of it. I really suggest you to talk about it and these education reforms cannot be a thing made only by the officers in the ministry or the ministers. This education reform is a thing that should be created collectively by us through a dialogue happening in the country. The younger generation and the students of this country must directly join with it. Therefore, I invite you all to hold a special session of your parliament and take ideas and suggestions of your peer students about real education reforms and send them to us. They are very important for us.

A girl student of the school gave me an environment friendly project plan and that effort is highly valuable.

One speech delivered by a female minister of this student parliament highly impressed me. It said that the elders speaking about the beauty of the childhood destroy their childhood. I decided today not to speak again about my childhood in front of children; in spite of that, take action to pass on a pleasing childhood to the children of this country.

And also, I felt a wonderful happiness and a proud when I saw and heard how you all conducted the student parliament session and how you spoke in it and it generated a confidence about the country with the idea that the future generation is upgraded and they are very clever.

The Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya said that she is thankful to the Principal, teachers and the parents for creating such a generation of children.

The Minister of Buddhist Affairs, Religious and Cultural Affairs Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, Sabaragamuwa Provincial Governor Champa Janaki Rajarathna, The Members of Parliament Shantha Padma Kumara, Sunil Rajapaksa, Dr. Janaka, Provincial Directress of Education, Educational authorities in the district, the Principals including the Principal of Seevalee Central College Captain Neel Dhammika Wathukarawaththage, teachers, parents and children had attended this occasion.

Media Unit

– The Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, The Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasooriya.

The Prime Minister said that we are used to measure the education on pass or failure of examination, the module system has been introduced to change that method and the aim of our government is to provide a quality education to the children through that method.

The Prime Minister stated this while participating in the discussion held on 23 rd of July at the Ministry of Education Isurupaya, Battaramulla to sensitize the media personnel about the new education reforms scheduled to be implemented from the year 2026.

The making media personnel from all media institutions aware of the new education reforms scheduled to be implemented from the year 2026 was done by the Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education Mr. Nalaka Kaluwewa and the Deputy Director of National Institute of Education Dr. Darshana Samaraweera.

At this occasion, answering the questions raised by the media men, The Prime Minister said,

“We are used to a system of education in which teachers, parents as well as children get ready for an examination. But in this modular system children are directed to learn through various activities. 

According to new syllabus, the G.C.E. Ordinary Level Examination is scheduled to be held in 2029. Since 2026 we implement this in grades 1 and 6 only. We have 03 years’ time to observe this system. We can do necessary changes of this system along with the situations and requirements we face during this process. We have not said anywhere that these reforms are final and conclusive. We hope to change it appropriately. In the same way you also can submit your views and suggestions.    

It is necessary to reduce the number of students to 25 – 30 within a classroom. At the moment there are classrooms exceeding 40 students. It happens because of the admissions done upon the recommendations given by the Minister of Education and the Secretary saying to admit exceeding the approved number. That system has completely stopped by our government. Therefore, in the future, only the approved number of students will be admitted to the schools. 

In the same way we have not taken a decision yet to abolish the grade five scholarship. To do such a thing, the inequality among schools must be ended. That is not a thing that we can do at once. We hope in these reforms to reduce the oppressive burden of education system happening to the students because of the scholarship examination. 

Under these reforms we have proposed to do the complete observation of maintaining the early childhood development centers and the training of those teachers through the Ministry of Education.” said the Prime Minister.

Expressing ideas at this occasion The Deputy Minister of Education Madhura Senevirathna said,

“We have drawn a special attention to teacher training here. The teacher training has also been included in the five pillars we have submitted. The teacher training program scheduled to be commenced in next August has already been prepared.”

The preparations have already been done to hold several awareness meetings in the future for university lecturers, teachers’ unions and the heads of education.

Media Unit  

An awareness meeting for the Members of Parliament about the proposed new education reforms was held today (22) at the parliamentary premises with the participation of The Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasooriya.

Expressing views at this occasion Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasooriya said,

There has been a high enthusiasm as well as a considerable debate in the society over the proposed new education reforms that have been planning for the implementation by our government. It is very important to have a social dialogue about this nationally important program.  

Therefore, with the realization of the necessity of you all as Members of Parliament to work with correct understanding about the proposed new education reforms, today this meeting is held as one step of making you aware of this and obtaining your suggestions and views on this program.  

We are ready to listen to your views and suggestions about new education reforms after providing a detailed document prepared about proposed new education reforms to you and also making you aware of new education reforms, said The Prime Minister.  

After the Prime Minister’s explanation of basic facts, The Deputy Director of National Institute of Education Dr. Darshana Samaraweera provided a detailed audio-visual presentation to the members of parliament who had attended the meeting. 

After that, several government and opposition members of parliament including The Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa, Sivagnanam Sridharan, Ajith P. Perera, Rohini Kawirathna, Dr. Harsha De Silva and Dayasiri Jayasekara presented their ideas and the government and opposition members of parliament said that doing an education reform is a contemporary requirement and their support is extended to the positive factors of the education reforms that the present government is preparing to introduce.   

The majority of the members of parliament drew their attention mainly to the necessity of drawing more attention to areas like using English language as a medium, expansion of English language and provision of maximum human resources necessary for education. The answers for their questions on education reforms were provided by The Prime Minister, The Secretary of the Ministry of Education and the Deputy Director of National Institute of Education.  

Further expressing the ideas, The Prime Minister said,

The revision of curricula and the education reform is not one and the same thing but two separate things and the Prime Minister pointed out that this time it is a changing of present education system itself and it is a process scheduled to be done in step by step within a considerable expansion of time very carefully but not in a hurry.

The first stage of this will be implemented in 2026 for the students in grade one and grade six and considering the responses received from it, the process will be continued doing necessary changes. The Prime Minister further pointed out that the new education reforms are implemented in a new approach in comparison to the former education reforms and the proposed education reform process is based on a five pillars namely, curriculum development, human resource development, infrastructure in the field of education, reforms in the education administrative structure, evaluation and assessment process and propaganda and sensitizing people.      

The Prime Minister listened carefully to all the presentations and raised questions of all government and opposition members of parliaments and provided proper answers and said that this kind of sensitizations will be done in the future also and her attention will be drawn to the suggestions and views presented by members of parliament and expressed her thanks for providing those particulars. 

The Members of parliament representing the government and the opposition, the secretary to the Prime Minister Mr. Pradeep Saputhanthri, the secretary of the Ministry of Education Mr. Nalaka Kaluwewa and a team of officers from National Institute of Education attended this meeting.

Media Unit 

– The Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasooriya

The Minister of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education, The Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasooriya stated in the parliament on the 09 th of July that it is scheduled to amend the curriculum for the improvement of technological and vocational education within school education system under new educational reforms in 2026.

Under these new revisions it is scheduled to introduce vocational subject streams for grades 10 and 11 and these vocational subjects will be introduced for grades 10 and 11 as a group subject, accordingly the students will be able to obtain the NVQ 4 certificate after studying vocational subject for four school years from grade 10. 

The development of curriculum and modules for this purpose is being done by the National Institute of Education at the moment and through this it is expected to increase the current number of schools 609 where advanced level vocational subjects are taught, up to 1000, the Minister said.  

An initial draft is being prepared while holding meetings with all partners related to that field with the assistance of Asian Development Bank in relation to that section to prepare a strategic plan for the purpose of improving the field of technological and vocational education after school education and by the coming September the complete draft will be submitted, the Minister said.  

Under that plan for the purpose of teacher training and infrastructure development for the field of technological and vocational education, the actions will be taken to recruit new teachers and train them through teachers’ colleges to teach vocational subjects in grades 10 and 11. 

The Minister stated in the parliament that it is scheduled to implement a series of teacher capacity building programs annually within the next five years for the teachers who have already been appointed to teach vocational subject streams, providing them with contemporary trends and experiences in various vocational fields with the assistance from the field of industries and the vocational subject stream will be reviewed again according to the current trends in the same subject field and to finish the inclusion of necessary changes in subject modules within the years 2026 and 2027.

Media Unit    

A discussion was held between the new staff of the National Education Commission and The Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasooriya at the National Education Commission.

Here the new staff was introduced and The Prime Minister explained the process that is being implemented for new education reforms.

The Prime Minister said at this occasion that it is ready to start the new education reforms from 2026 and for that purpose the institutions coming under the Ministry of Education must work together according to a proper methodology.

At this occasion it was discussed lengthily about the role of National Education Commission in the implementation process of new education reforms. The Minister explained the matters related to the issues remaining in the commission and the tasks to be done in the future.

The Minister said that when the education reforms are implemented, doing surveys on schools and the monitoring will lie with the National Education Commission and when the new education policies are put into action strongly, the Ministry of Education, the National Institute of Education and the National Education Commission must work together. 

The secretary of the Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education Nalaka Kaluwewa, the Chairperson of National Education Commission Professor A. Sarath Ananda, the Vice Chairperson Thilak Dharmarathna and the officers of the commission attended this occasion. 

A discussion about the necessary steps to be taken for the declaration of necessary guidelines in August this year with regard to new educational transformations scheduled to be implemented from 2026 and the teacher training for that purpose, was held at the National Institute of Education with the participation of The Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasooriya . 

The Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasooriya said that the new syllabuses for grades 1 and 6 will be introduced from the year 2026 and it is scheduled to introduce the new syllabus for grade 10 in 2028 and the actions will be taken to hold ordinary level examination in 2029 depending on the new syllabus and also it is scheduled to introduce the vocational education from grade 9. At this occasion the heads of each section of the National Institute of Education made the Minister aware of the way of implementing the relevant process in relation to this new education reforms by their respective sections and the current situation of them.   

The Prime Minister pointed out at this occasion that this is an educational reformation executed upon 05 pillars namely, revision of new syllabuses, teacher training, administration and provision of infra-structure facilities, creating a proper evaluation process and obtaining the public assistance for this purpose and she pointed out that it is the responsibility of National Institute of Education to create teachers rich in good attitudes. Furthermore, the Prime Minister instructed the officers not to stop with these reforms but to take action for supervising how it is being implemented and to create a formal evaluation process.

The secretary of the Ministry of Education Mr. Nalaka Kaluwewa, The Director General of National Institute of Education Professor Manjula Withanapathirana and all sectional heads of that institution participated in this discussion.