News
Sri Lanka to seek UNESCO support for education sector modernization- President
President Ranil Wickremesinghe announced plans to seek UNESCO’s support in a comprehensive modernization initiative for Sri Lanka’s education sector, alongside seeking assistance from the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank for these reforms.
Addressing the inaugural session of the Student Parliament of Buddhuruvagala Maha Vidyalaya, Monaragala, on Wednesday (17), President Wickremesinghe highlighted the goal of establishing an advanced education system incorporating modern technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI). His vision is to equip the youth with the skills needed to thrive in the contemporary world.
The inaugural session of the college’s student parliament took place at the Chamber Hall of the Presidential Secretariat following an invitation extended during President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s recent visit to Buddhuruvagala Maha Vidyalaya, Monaragala.
Fulfilling a promise to the students, a valuable collection of musical instruments was swiftly presented to the college, prompting gratitude from the students. The event saw 96 members of the student parliament in attendance, with certificates being distributed under the supervision of Secretary to the President Saman Ekanayake and Secretary-General of Parliament Kushani Rohanadeera.
Addressing the students, President Wickremesinghe emphasized that future leaders who will build the country will emerge from these student parliaments. He noted that the experience gained through these platforms will be invaluable and expressed his happiness that student parliaments are active in many schools.
The President also shared the historical and ancient background of the old Parliament Building, now the Presidential Secretariat, engaging in a friendly conversation with the students and informing them about the parliamentary system, including the Constituent Assembly.
Secretary-General of Parliament Kushani Rohanadeera explained the role of Parliament.
The principal of Buddhuruvagala Maha Vidyalaya, Monaragala H.M.U.B. Herath, along with several teachers and parents, were also present on this occasion.
The government, under heavy Opposition fire over inclusion of a sex website in the Grade 6 English module, as well as overall education reforms, has decided to put on hold reforms in respect of Grade 6.
Cabinet Spokesman and Media and Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa announced the government decision yesterday (13) at the post-Cabinet media briefing at the Information Department.
According to him, the decision had been taken at the previous day’s Cabinet meeting, chaired by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. Dr. Jayatissa said that education reforms pertaining to Garde 6 had been put on hold until 2027.
The Minister said that other proposed education reforms would be implemented as planned. The Minister said that action would be taken against those responsible for the inclusion of a link to a sex website following investigations conducted by the Criminal Investigation Department and the National Education Institute.
The SJB and several other political parties, as well as civil society groups, have accused the government of promoting an LGBTQ agenda, through the proposed education reforms.
The Opposition grouping Mahajana Handa, on Monday, made representations to the Mahanayake Thera of the Malwatta Chapter regarding the controversial reforms, while urging their intervention to halt the project.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake yesterday (13) vowed to go ahead with his government’s agenda, regardless of the destruction caused by Cyclone Ditwah.
Emphasising the responsibility on the part of all to contribute to the post-Ditwah recovery efforts, President Dissanayake said that he would have complete faith in the public service.
The President said so at the launch of the re-building Sri Lanka project at the BMICH yesterday.
The JVP and NPP leader said that he wouldn’t take advantage of the death and destruction caused by the cyclone or use the situation as an excuse to reverse their agenda or weaken it.
President Dissanayake said that in spite of many calling for amending the then Budget, in view of the cyclone, the government presented the proposals that were agreed before the disaster struck.
The United States has announced that it will provide the Sri Lanka Air Force with 10 US Navy TH-57 helicopters free of charge.
The announcement was made by outgoing US Ambassador Julie Chung, who stated, on social media, that the helicopters would be transferred under the United States’ Excess Defence Articles programme. The aircraft are Bell 206 Sea Ranger helicopters previously operated by the US Navy.
US sources said that the transfer was intended to strengthen Sri Lanka’s disaster response capabilities, following the devastating cyclone that struck the island at the end of 2025 and killed more than 600 people. US officials have framed the move as a humanitarian measure aimed at improving aerial rescue and relief operations.
Fair weather will prevail except for a few showers in the Uva, Eastern, Western and Central provinces and in Galle, Matara and Rathnapura districts
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