News

The Government is taking steps to regulate early childhood education to ensure quality education while enhancing the professionalism of preschool teachers. — PM

Published

4 weeks ago

2026/01/17

Priyan

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the Government is taking steps to maintain early childhood education within an appropriate regulatory framework, while ensuring quality education by enhancing the professionalism of preschool teachers.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while participating in the awareness programme for preschool teachers of the Puttalam District on the National Early Childhood Education Curriculum Framework, held under the theme “A Safe World for Children, A Creative Future Generation” on Friday [16th of January] at the Sudasuna Hall in Chilaw.

The Prime Minister stated,

“The main objective of our government in 2024 was to bring about a transformative change in this country. We bear a major responsibility in achieving that transformation. When we assumed office, one of our primary responsibilities was to build a stable and resilient economy. However, I believe that with equal responsibility and commitment, our government has prioritized creating a transformative change in the education system of the country. We assumed office with that objective in mind. The discussions within our party and political movement on the necessary changes in education did not begin recently. They are the result of a long-standing process.

This transformation cannot be achieved overnight or within a single year. It is a step-by-step process. When implementing this decisive and qualitative change within the education system, it is essential to consider the system as a whole. We made this intervention by examining every stage of a child’s educational journey. Therefore, we have recognized early childhood education, from age one to age five, as an integral part of education and development.

Thereby, Early childhood development is viewed as the very first step of our education structure. At present, early childhood education exists in an unregulated manner. Our aim is to develop this early childhood education in an organized and systematic way, while enhancing the professionalism of teachers and ensuring quality education within an appropriate regulatory framework.

Accordingly, the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs and the Ministry of Education have jointly appointed a committee and initiated discussions to formulate a policy and curriculum framework for early childhood education. During the past year, we developed the preschool curriculum framework. We are working towards implementing a unified curriculum across all preschools in a structured manner. It is essential to integrate early childhood development with primary, secondary, and university education. Early childhood development is one of the most critical stages of an individual’s life. The responsibility of socializing the child, introducing them to society in a structured manner, and nurturing a disciplined, empathetic individual lies with you. This is not something that can be achieved at the primary level or beyond.

There is a common criticism that children are not taught letters and numbers at preschool. However, early childhood development is not about formal schooling. It is about helping children to develop their social skills.

It is also an objective of our government to ensure that both preschools and schools become places where parents can confidently leave their children, knowing they are safe.

We are aware of the issues relating to your allowances and pensions. Discussions have been held in this regard between the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs. Granting due recognition to preschool certificates during school admissions is also very important, and the government’s attention has been drawn to all these matters”.

The event was attended by Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government prof. Chandan Abayarathna; Members of Parliament Gayan Janaka, Hiruni Wijesinghe, and Mohamed Faisal; officials of the North Western Province Early Childhood Education Development Authority; and a large number of preschool teachers from the Puttalam District.

[Prime Minister’s Media Division]

All News Advertisement

Latest News

Landslide Early Warnings issued to the Districts of Kandy and Nuwara Eliya extended

Published

7 hours ago

2026/02/13

Priyan

The landslide early warnings issued to the Districts of Kandy and Nuwara Eliya by the Landslide Early Warning Center of the National Building Research Organisation [NBRO] have been extended until 0600 hrs on the 14th of February 2026.

Accordingly,
The Level II [AMBER] landslide early warnings issued to the Divisional Secretaries Divisions and surrounding areas of Walapane and Nildandahinna in the Nuwara Eliya district and

the Level I [YELLOW] landslide early warnings issued to the Divisional Secretaries Division and surrounding areas of Pathahewaheta in the Kandy district have been extended till 0600AM on Saturday [14]

News

Royal Navy of Oman Vessel “SADH” departs island

Published

13 hours ago

2026/02/13

Priyan

The Royal Navy of Oman Vessel “SADH” which arrived in Sri Lanka for replenishment purpose, departed the island on 12 Feb 26.

In accordance with naval tradition, the Sri Lanka Navy extended a customary farewell to the departing ship.

Latest News

“We will not make decisions for rural level schools while sitting in Colombo” – PM

Published

15 hours ago

2026/02/13

Priyan

The Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that aligning with the development activities carried out under the new education reforms, decisions at the rural level will not be taken from Colombo and plans should be sent based on the requirements of the rural level through the District Coordination Committees by structural committees. She further noted that all officials, from the Ministry of Education down to the school level, must commit to working efficiently and with a human-centered approach.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while addressing a discussion held with education authorities of the Hambantota District on Thursday [February 12] at the auditorium of the Hambantota District Secretariat regarding the new education reforms and prevailing issues in the education sector.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister provided an opportunity for education authorities including chief prelates of pirivenas, zonal education directors, teacher advisors, and principals to present the challenges they face and officials raised concerns including salary disparities among principals, developing school infrastructure, issues arising from the division between national and provincial schools, and uplifting pirivena education.

Further elaborating, Prime Minister stated:

“The new education reforms were initiated from 2025 through dialogue, consultations, and the collection of necessary data. As officials, you have extended your support to us during this process. We have embarked on a difficult and long journey, and we look forward to your continued cooperation.

We initiated these reforms in response to a strong social demand. Many have attempted such reforms at different times. Within our political vision, we understood clearly that if this country is to be rebuilt, an educational transformation is essential. The human resource is the most valuable resource of this country and it should be nurtured properly.

Solutions to many of the crises our country faces lie within the education system. Addressing the issues in economic challenges, social issues, drug abuse, violence, the breakdown of political culture, corruption, waste, and even the deterioration of human relationships all lie within the education.

In order to achieve the transformation we envision as a government, that an education transformation is necessary.

This education system should focus on reducing the pressures within the system, minimize school dropouts, increase employability, and instill confidence in children about their future.

There are disparities within the school system, between rural and urban schools, national and provincial schools, and difficult schools. This should not happen. All children must have equal opportunities.
⁣
Decisions regarding the establishment of schools or expansion of classes should not be political decisions. They must be decisions taken through Structural Committees. Those representatives understand their divisions, village economies, and population dynamics. Based on your decisions and assessments of needs, prepare the plans, discuss them with the District Coordination Committees, and submit them to us. We will then take steps to provide the necessary allocations and other support. We will not make decisions for the rural level while sitting in Colombo.

We are taking steps to minimize salary disparities. A Cabinet paper regarding the salary anomalies of principals has already been prepared for submission. Steps are also being taken to introduce new reforms in pirivena education through the Pirivena Committee of the Ministry of Education. We require the support of the chief prelates in this regard.

A significant number of teachers turn to human rights due to delays caused by inefficiency. Therefore, all officials from the Ministry of Education down to the schools must commit to working efficiently and in a humane manner”

The discussion was attended by Chief prelates of pirivenas, deputy ministers, Members of Parliament, zonal directors, principals, and other education sector officials.