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Open dialogue, suggestions, and criticisms based on factual information regarding the new education reforms are extremely important – PM
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that open discussions, suggestions, and criticisms based on factual information concerning the new education reforms are of great importance.
The Prime Minister made these remarks on Thursday (17) at a special program held at the Western Provincial Council Auditorium to raise awareness among education officials of the Western Province regarding the new education reforms.
Addressing the dialogue, the Prime Minister said:
“It is clear through the ongoing public discourse that society is paying close attention to the new education reforms. There is a significant public interest in this process. That is why many people are presenting various ideas, suggestions, and criticisms. This is a healthy sign, and through this, we can move forward toward better outcomes.
As a government, we have always pledged to give high priority to education, starting from the stage of policy formulation. This commitment is reflected in our policy statements and political platforms. These reforms are not something that began yesterday. Everyone stood together for the development goals of this country, but what is truly needed is not only achieving these goals but also transforming the society we live in. There must be a major transformation in education. What we aim to create is not an individual limited to a narrow journey shaped by textbooks, one subject, or one academic stream. Instead, we are trying to nurture a person with broader thinking, a free mind, and leadership skills who can view the world with a wider perspective.
These reforms are not limited to changes in the curriculum. It is a structural reform developed around five core pillars. Education has reached this state because trending decisions were made without identifying the fundamental issues.
The main transformation brought by the new reforms is developing skills among children to be equipped for the real world of work, starting from Grade 10. Some people misunderstand and criticize these reforms, spreading misinformation. We welcome constructive criticism, study, and dialogue based on proper understanding.
All stakeholders in the education sector must fully comprehend the new reforms and communicate the right message to the public. everyone’s cooperation is expected in achieving this historic task for our children. We cannot do this by dividing; we must all come together”.
The discussion was attended by the Deputy Minister of Education and Higher Education Dr. Madhura Senewiratne, Deputy Minister of Vocational Education Nalin Hewage, Deputy Minister of Labour Mahinda Jayasinghe, Western Province Governor Haniff Yusoof, Members of Parliament Lakshman Nipunarachchi, Sanjeewa Ranasinghe, Ruwan Mapalagama, Ministry of Education Secretary Nalaka Kaluwawa, Chief Secretary of the Western Province Pradeep Pushpakumara, as well as officials representing the National Institute of Education, the Department of Examinations, and the Western Province Department of Education.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
A complete performance from UAE’s bowling unit kept their semi-final hopes alive at the 2026 Women’s T20 Asia Cup, skittling Indonesia for 73 and then completing the chase with six wickets to spare. They now have to beat Bangladesh on September 8 and also hope other results go their way.
UAE were on top right from the first ball courtesy offspinner Suraksha Kotte, who starred with 3 for 16. Kotte struck with the first two balls of the innings, dismissing Indonesia opener Maria Corazon and No. 3 Ni Luh Dewi for first-ball ducks. UAE captain Esha Oza (2 for 11) then dismissed the other opener Rahmawati Pangestuti in the fourth over.
Indonesia captainN8 Puu Ayu Nanda Sakarini top-scored with a lone hand of 39 off 52 balls, with four fours and a six, accounting for 53.4% of Indonesia’s runs. But with little support, they could not find a way back in and were bowled out for 73.
Slow left-arm spinner Heena Hotchandani (2 for 6) and seamer Samaira Dharnidharka (1 for 12) also got among the wickets. Legspinner Vaishnave Mahesh struck twice in the 20th over to clean up the tail.
UAE openers Theertha Satish and Oza put on 17 for the first wicket. After losing Theertha in the fifth over, Oza hit two boundaries in each of the sixth and eighth overs. No. 3 Rinitha Rajith then hit three fours off Sofia Velic in the ninth over.
A brief wobble followed for UAE as they slid from 62 for 1 to 68 for 4. Oza fell for a 29-ball 30 at the start of the 11th over to Ni Ariani and Velic grabbed two wickets in the 12th. However, with only six runs needed, UAE wrapped up the chase at the start of the 14th over, the tournament hosts securing two points with 41 balls to spare. This was also Indonesia’s final match of the campaign, bowing out with losses in all three games.
Scores:
UAE Women 75 for 4 8n 13.1 overs (Esha Oza 30, Rinitha Rajith 22; Ni Riani 1-10, Sang Maypriani 1-17, Sofia Velic 2-25) beat IndonesiaWomen 73 in 19.4 overs (N8 Putu Ayu Nanda Sakarini 39, Desi Wulandari 12; Suraksha Kotte 3-16, Heena Hotchandani 2-06, Esha Oza 2-11, Samira Dharnidarkha 1-12 ) by six wickets
(Cricinfo)
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Sun directly overhead Moratuwa, Kesbewa, Handapangoda, Idalgashinna, Yudhaganawa, Kotiyagala and Panama about 12.08 noon today (05)
The sun is going to be directly over the latitudes of Sri Lanka from 28th of August to 07th of September due to its apparent southward relative motion.
The nearest places of Sri Lanka over which the sun is
overhead today (05) are Moratuwa, Kesbewa, Handapangoda, Idalgashinna, Yudhaganawa, Kotiyagala and Panama about 12.08 noon
Kusal Mendis and Binura Fernando have been ruled out of Sri Lanka’s upcoming T20I series against England, with the SLC saying that the two were “still undergoing rehabilitation” after injuries picked up at the 2026 Lanka Premier League.
The update came just over a day after the two were named in the 16-member squad, with Kusal retained as captain of both the T20I and the ODI sides.Charith Asalanka, who had returned to the vice-captain’s position for the series, will now lead the side in the T20Is. Though Kusal hasn’t been ruled out of the ODIs just yet, were he to miss out, Asalanka, as the designated vice-captain, might step in there too.
Kusal has been out of action since July 19 with a right hamstring injury, while Binura hasn’t played since August 5, SLC putting his absence down to a back injury.
Pavan Rathnayake, the 24-year-old top-order batter, has replaced Kusal in the T20I touring party, while Dilshan Madushanka, the fast bowler who was in the squad for the Tests against India recently but didn’t get to play, has come in for Binura.
(Cricinfo)
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