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.
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.
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