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UNDP: Technology critical to transform Lanka’s education sector
With the onset of COVID-19, the world has seen disruptions to traditional forms of education. In Sri Lanka, since the first wave and the resulting lockdown in March 2020, schools have been largely dysfunctional with the levels of online learning varying between public and private institutions.
To this end, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Sri Lanka convened a virtual discussion recently, for the second in a series of three policy discussions on inequalities and human development.
The session focused on ‘Accessing Education: Technology’s Potential for Divergence and Convergence’, a paper commissioned by UNDP and authored by Prof. Ajith de Alwis, Dean, Faculty of Graduate Studies and Professor of Chemical and Process Engineering at the University of Moratuwa. The paper examines the use of technology in the education sphere and the future of education in a post-COVID context.
Turning the lens on Sri Lanka, Prof. de Alwis stated, “The world is shaped by technology. Education must provide for this changing world. There is a race between education and technology – if technology is lagging within the education system, we will be positioning students for a world of work that they will not be suitable for”. The paper calls for a focus on blended learning, remote labs and flipped classrooms to enable students to prepare for a future in which technology will be predominant.
Addressing participants at the discussion, Robert Juhkam, Resident Representative, UNDP in Sri Lanka, stated, “Embracing technology helps ensure continuity and resilience; it allows the education system to carry on in the face of external shocks such as the COVID-19 pandemic and other unforeseen exigencies. More importantly, bridging the digital divide will help tackle a range of other social inequities such as the gender divide, urban-rural disparities and challenges faced by the urban poor. However, let us not forget technology’s potential to create divergence. It is an integral aspect to be carefully understood in the process of equitable education for all. Bridging the digital divide will open access to quality education to all and reinforce other national efforts towards SDG attainment, leaving no one behind.”
Joining the dialogue, Prof. Kapila Perera, Secretary, Ministry of Education stated “Education is a primary driver for sustainable development. By ensuring inclusive and quality education for all, we also have the potential to catalyze the achievement of the SDGs.”
The panel discussion included insights from Himali Athaudage, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Skills Development, Vocational Education, Research and Innovation; Indika De Zoysa, Vice President, Enterprise Business Group, Huawei Technologies Lanka Co (Pvt) Ltd; Dr. Sujata Gamage, Senior Research Fellow, LIRNEasia; Dr. Frank Van Capelle, Education Specialist, UNICEF Regional Office for South Asia and was moderated by Ayushka Nugaliyadda, Economist and Systems Design Lead of the Citra Social Innovation Lab.
The discussion paves the way to strengthen the final recommendations of the policy paper, which will discuss key nuances pertaining to intersections between education and technology in Sri Lanka, to support policy makers and other stakeholders in this space. The third policy discussion of the inequalities and human development series will take place in the coming months under the theme of ‘Gender Inequalities: Between social norms and power imbalance’.
The Prime Minister, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, paid a solemn visit to the Embassy of the Vatican in Colombo today (25) to offer condolences on behalf of the Government and the people of Sri Lanka on the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis.
During the visit, Dr. Amarasuriya signed the book of condolence, expressing deep sorrow over the demise of the beloved spiritual leader and extending heartfelt sympathies to the Catholic community both in Sri Lanka and around the world:
The Prime Minister was received by the Archbishop Brian N. Udaigwe, Apostolic Nuncio of the Apostolic Nunciature, the Vatican Embassy in Colombo and other officials.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
President Anura Kumara Disanayake conducted an inspection tour of Kandy city on Thursday (24) night to inspect the progress of the “Siri Dalada Wandanawa” and the related issues that have emerged.
The President held an urgent meeting with relevant officials to address the issues related to sanitation facilities for devotees visiting Kandy to venerate the sacred tooth relic
Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation Minister K.D. Lalkantha, Diyawadana Nilame of the Sri Dalada Maligawa Nilanga Dela Bandara , Acting Inspector General of Police Priyantha Weerasuriya, Army Commander Lieutenant General Lasantha Rodrigo, Governor of the Central Province Prof. Sarath Abeykoon, Kandy District Secretary Indika Udawatte and others participated in this meeting.
[PMD]
A Sri Lankan delegation met with US Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer on the 22nd of April, 2025 at the US Trade Representative Office in Washington D.C.
The Sri Lankan delegation, on the instructions of President Disanayaka, who is also the Minister of Finance, handed over the originals of communications addressed to US Trade Representative Ambassador Greer
The delegation updated Ambassador Greer on the challenges that Sri Lanka has faced in the past and the steps that are being taken by the Government of Sri Lanka to overcome future challenges and move towards full economic recovery. The delegation also highlighted the prompt and positive commitment of the Government of Sri Lanka to work with the US Government in reducing the trade deficit, and lowering tariff and non-tariff barriers.
Ambassador Greer acknowledged the proposals made by the Sri Lankan government and expressed hope that an agreement can be reached soon between the two countries to ensure fair and equitable trade relations.
Later on that day, the Sri Lankan delegation met with the USTR delegation appointed by Ambassador Greer lead by Assistant United States Trade Representative, In-charge of South and Central Asia, Brendan Lynch along with Director In-charge of South Asia, Emily Ashby to discuss further the appeal made in writing by Sri Lanka to the US. The two sides agreed to continue the discussions with the objective of finalizing a bilateral trade agreement between the two countries. Both sides expressed the desire to finalize the agreement in the shortest possible time period.
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) is responsible for developing and coordinating U.S. international trade, commodity, and direct investment policy, and overseeing negotiations with other countries. The head of USTR is the U.S. Trade Representative, a Cabinet member who serves as the president’s principal trade advisor, negotiator, and spokesperson on trade issues.
[PMD]
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