Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the Ministry of Education has already commenced the distribution of Smart Boards required for the new education reforms, and that the collection of funds from parents at school level for this purpose must be stopped immediately. She further emphasized that no decision has been taken to curtail free education or to close the Jayewardenepura Faculty of Dental Sciences.

The Prime Minister made these remarks in response to a question raised in Parliament on Thursday [05th  February]  by the Leader of the Opposition,  Sajith Premadasa.

Elaborating further, the Prime Minister stated,

“Although the Leader of the Opposition has not traditionally upheld free education as a policy, I appreciate your stance on the matter at this juncture. However, I urge that questions should not be raised based on social media content or unverified rumours in Parliament. No decision has been taken to curtail free education or to close the Jayawardenepura Faculty of Dental Sciences. The Medical Faculty of the Wickramarachchi University of Indigenous Medicine had commenced operations without regulatory approval and had introduced course work, resulting in students being placed in a vulnerable situation. Necessary action is currently being taken based on the recommendations of a report submitted by an expert committee appointed to examine the issue. This this is not a political decision, but one guided by expert opinion”.

“Arrangements are underway to distribute the required Smart Boards to schools during this year, and  there is no need to collect funds from parents for this purpose. If any such collections are taking place, they must be stopped immediately. The Secretary to the Ministry of Education has already issued a directive instructing schools not to collect funds from parents”.

“The subject Information Technology will not be taught as a separate subject for Grades 1 to 5. However, recognizing the need to prepare students for a globally advancing technological world, discussions have been initiated based on expert advice on how to provide age-appropriate technological awareness to students. Decisions will be made after carefully considering child protection concerns and expert recommendations. The curriculum-related decisions will not be made politically, but by subject experts.

Based on the requests made by the universities and higher education institutions recruitment for essential academic vacancies is currently being carried out under the Cabinet approval. Although thirty years have passed since the establishment of the teacher service, further measures are required to enhance its quality. Existing issues relating to teacher promotions, considering the practical difficulties in evaluation processes and non-compliance with service minute provisions are being addressed alongside other challenges. The government is presently focused on formulating a systematic plan to ensure quality education.”

Responding to a question raised by the Member of Parliament Kader Mastan, the Prime Minister stated,

“Several programmes have been introduced based on government policy decisions to fulfill the basic needs of schoolchildren. These include the provision of school textbooks, uniforms, and the “Suraksha” health insurance scheme. Additionally, voucher schemes have been introduced to support the purchase of sanitary products for girls in Grades 6 to 13. Midday meals are also being provided for primary school students, and financial assistance is extended to students who pass the Grade 5 Scholarship Examination but do not receive bursaries. The Ministry of Education is in the process of gathering further information with the intention of expanding these programmes”.

The Prime Minister also announced that the 2025 G.C.E. Ordinary Level Examination is scheduled to be held from February 17 to 26. Although this period coincides with the observance of Ramadan, relevant authorities have confirmed that it will not pose an obstacle to the conduct of the examination. Furthermore, it has been decided to hold the Grade 5 Scholarship Examination and the G.C.E. Advanced Level Examination before August each year, and the G.C.E. Ordinary Level Examination in December. From 2026 onwards, efforts will be made to conduct examinations in accordance with this revised annual examination calendar.

[Prime Minister’s Media Division]