Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that children studying for their Advanced Level should be investigated for their absence from school and emphasized that no child should miss out on educational opportunities for any reason.

The Prime Minister made these remarks during an observation tour of the Maharagama National Institute of Education recently.

Speaking further, Dr. Amarasuriya highlighted the concerning trend of declining attendance in Advanced Level classrooms, particularly among boys, and noted that increasing numbers of students are withdrawing from the education system. She stressed that education should be accessible to every child, free from social or economic barriers, ensuring opportunities for higher education from early childhood development through thirteen years of schooling. The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of making personal and social transformation a key objective of education.

“Our government is dedicated to implementing transformative educational changes that will create opportunities for children to connect with the modern world and drive the social transformation sought by the people. We regard every allocation for education as an investment in the nation’s future, with the goal of shaping responsible citizens. The National Institute of Education plays a crucial role in this complex and long-term process,” she stated.

The event was attended by the Director General of the National Institute of Education, Professor Manjula Widanapathirana, along with Deputy Director Generals, Directors, and other officials.

[Prime Minister’s Media]

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya said tha she  appreciated the support extended by public servants in recent months and emphasized added that it is  important for everyone to dedicate themselves with greater effort and enthusiasm in fulfilling the services that the government is responsible to provide to the people in the new year.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while launching the Clean Sri Lanka initiative at the Prime Minister’s Office on Wednesday [01].

Addressing the event, the Secretary to the Prime Minister,  Pradeep Saputhanthri, remarked: “We have been entrusted with a significant responsibility to deliver the change that the people of this country expect. Let us approach our duties with heightened responsibility and attention to ensure that these expectations are met. The public demands a transformation in our behavior, work ethic, and overall approach. Public servants must unite to achieve this.”

The event was attended by all officers of the Prime Minister’s Office, including Additional Secretaries, Assistant Secretaries, and other staff members.

[Prime Minister’s Media Division]