News
Now, FSP claims Gota’s educational reforms more democratic than JVP’s
The Frontline Socialist Party (FSP), an offshoot of the JVP, has lambasted educational reforms proposed by the JVP-led NPP government, claiming it is less democratic and transparent than the reform efforts pursued during former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s administration.
FSP Education Secretary Pubudu Jagoda, speaking on Power Hour, a YouTube podcast hosted by Gemunu Jayantha Wanninayake on Saturday, accused the government of failing to present a public draft of its education reform proposals.
“Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s administration, for all its flaws, at least published a draft proposal for reforms. This government has not. If such a document exists, why can’t they release it to the public?” Jagoda asked. “What we’re seeing now is not a democratic process.”
Jagoda also pointed to contradictory statements made by government figures regarding the fate of underpopulated schools. “The President has stated that schools with low attendance will be shut down.
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister insists that such decisions must follow careful study and consultation. Other ministers remain silent. This shows there is no coherent plan or unified direction.”
He further alleged that the current government is quietly continuing reform policies, initiated under Gotabaya Rajapaksa and later supported by President Ranil Wickremesinghe. “There is a growing suspicion that this government is simply rebranding old proposals. That’s likely the reason they are keeping their plans out of public view.”
Jagoda called on the government to release its proposals and engage in open dialogue with all stakeholders, warning that a lack of transparency could erode public trust in the reform process.
A discussion with the Catholic Council was held on Thursday (21) afternoon at the Presidential Secretariat under the co-chairmanship of Minister of Science and Technology, Chrishantha Abeysena and Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake.
Discussions focused on administrative issues relating to Catholic schools taken over by the Government, the formulation of a structured teacher cadre system for Catholic religious education, the need to recruit Catholic nuns and priests into the teaching profession and the establishment of a mechanism to obtain the support of the Ministry of Education for the administration of Government-acquired Catholic schools.
It was also decided that discussions with the Catholic Council would be held three times annually, while Senior Additional Secretary to the President Roshan Gamage would serve as Secretary to the forum.
Expressing appreciation on behalf of the Catholic Council, His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith thanked President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and the Government for facilitating the discussion.
His Eminence further stated that the expectation was to ensure every student, without discrimination, is given the opportunity to learn his or her own religion and stressed the importance of resolving the prevailing issues within the education sector.
Also present at the occasion were Most Rev. Bishop Harold Anthony Perera, Most Rev. Bishop Christy Noel Emmanuel, Most Rev. Bishop Anton Ranjith, Most Rev. Bishop Wimal Siri Jayasuriya, other clergy representing the Catholic Council, Secretary to the Ministry of Education, Nalaka Kaluwewa and senior officials of the Ministry of Education.
(PMD)
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has decided to broaden the Women’s Emerging Nations Trophy, which was launched last year. Unlike the inaugural edition held in November 2025 that featured eight Associate teams, the second edition will comprise 10 teams, including five Test-playing nations. The tournament is scheduled to be held in November this year.
Italian Navy’s ITS GIOVANNI DELLE BANDE NERE, which arrived in Colombo (21 May 2026) on a replenishment visit, departed the island today (22 May).
The Sri Lanka Navy bade a customary farewell to the departing ship in compliance with naval traditions at the port of Colombo.
During her brief stay in Colombo, the Commanding Officer of the ship, Commander Antonio BUFIS called on the Commander Western Naval Area at the Western Naval Command Headquarters.
Catholic Council reconvenes after nine years
ICC to widen Women’s Emerging Nations Trophy
Italian Navy’s ITS GIOVANNI DELLE BANDE NERE departs following replenishment visit
PM meets Secretary-General of the Commonwealth of Nations
Tennessee execution called off after failed lethal injection
Landslide early warnings issued to the Districts of Colombo, Gampaha, Kalutara, Kegalle, Nuwara Eliya and Ratnapura
‘Dates have the highest sugar content to fight Coronavirus’
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