Minister of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, emphasized that the new education reforms would ensure that all children will have the opportunity to either pursue  higher education  or gain employment after leaving school.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while addressing the awareness program held on Sunday [July 13] at the Eastern Provincial Council premises, to inform officials of the Eastern Province about the proposed education reforms.

Addressing those present the Prime Minister stated:

“This is a historic opportunity for all of us. Through these education reforms, we can provide high-quality education that aligns with global standards. Every child will receive a NVQ certificate that enables them to enter the workforce after the completion of school education.

Currently, the school system does not adequately prepare students for employment. As a result, universities are compelled to develop their soft skills. That skill development should start at the school level.

Starting from Grade 9, children will be given the opportunity to gain hands-on experience to decide on the profession they wish to pursue in the future. Whether they complete 11 or 13 years of education, students will have the choice to either take up a job or pursue a degree. If they wish, they can even work and study for a degree simultaneously.

The education reforms will not be limited to curriculum changes alone but will also focus on improving school infrastructure, teacher training, and fostering public discourse around the reform process.

The funds allocated this year for infrastructure development should be used appropriately. When selecting schools for development in underprivileged areas, do not base decisions on village affiliation or personal favouration.  Selection must be made through proper procedures with the approval of the District Development Committee.”

The Prime Minister also called on the Ministry of Education, the Provincial Council, Provincial Departments of Education, Zonal Offices, and Divisional Education Offices to work in collaboration during the reform process.

This event was attended by Eastern Province Governor Jayanta Lal Ratnasiri, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment Arun Hemachandra, Members of Parliament Roshan Akmeemana and S. Kugananthan, Secretary to the Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education Nalaka Kaluwawa, officials representing the Ministry of Education, Department of Examinations, National Institute of Education, and Provincial Departments of Education, as well as Zonal Education Directors.

[Prime Minister’s Media Division]

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the current perspective on education is extremely narrow and that the practice of evaluating education solely based on exam results is flawed and in need of change.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while attending the “Pankaja Student Summit 2025” of the Polonnaruwa District, held on Sunday [July 13]  at Royal Central College, Polonnaruwa aiming for the development of virtues among children by fostering the fundamental aspects of higher education.

Prime Minister Dr. Amarasuriya attended the event as Minister of Education, in response to an invitation from Praveen Maneesha Watthegama, the student Prime Minister representing Royal Central College in the National Student Parliament.

Addressing the event, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated;

“We are committed to transforming the exam-centered education system to one that allows talented children to move forward through their abilities and skills.

Our President constantly emphasizes the need to build a compassionate society by nurturing sensitive children with good values. It is not enough to raise individuals who only fulfill their own duties and needs, what matters is producing students who work for the betterment of society in mind.

Today, seeing the creativity and skills of these students, I truly feel happy. I am confident that there is a highly capable group of young people ready to take on the future leadership of our country. Our goal is to nurture not only creativity but also children who are enriched with humanity. Seeing your talents has given me further encouragement. You are the ones who give us the strength to keep working. Let us all join together and commit ourselves to building a compassionate and value-driven society.”

Praveen Maneesha Watthegama, the student Prime Minister of the National Student Parliament presenting his views said:

“We have named this student summit ’Pankaja’ (lotus), a flower that rises from the mud to symbolize the emergence of a noble new generation from a troubled society.

As a representative of the student community, I hope to present three key proposals to the Minister of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Training.

Firstly, to implement the concept of student parliaments effectively in schools; secondly, to introduce a system where physical punishment is replaced with a skill-based point deduction method as a form of discipline; and thirdly, to investigate the possibility of implementing value-based programs in Sunday Dhamma schools that help shape students’ attitudes.”

The event was graced by the presence of the Maha Sangha and clergy of other religions, Speaker of Parliament Dr. Jagath Wickramarathna, Deputy Minister of Housing Development, Construction and Housing T.B. Sarath, Members of Parliament for Polonnaruwa District Padmasiri Bandara and Sunil Rathnasiri, Principal of Royal Central College Mr. Ravilal Wijewansa, members of the school academic staff, students, and a large number of parents.

[Prime Minister’s Media Division]