July 05, Colombo (LNW): Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya has reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to transforming Sri Lanka’s education system by placing greater emphasis on practical skills, creativity and critical thinking, ensuring students are better equipped to meet the demands of a rapidly changing world.
Speaking at the opening of the ‘Arumasiya’ student exhibition and the foundation stone-laying ceremony for a new three-storey academic building at Balangoda Vidyaloka Central College yesterday (04), the Prime Minister outlined the Government’s long-term vision for education reform.
After officially opening the exhibition, Dr. Amarasuriya toured displays featuring a range of student-led innovations and creative projects. She praised the students for showcasing talents that reflected problem-solving abilities, originality and practical knowledge beyond the traditional classroom curriculum.
Addressing students, teachers and parents, the Prime Minister said the Government is preparing to introduce a comprehensive education reform programme from 2027. The proposed changes are intended to move away from an education system heavily centred on examinations and instead promote learning that develops practical competencies, innovation and real-world skills.
She said the reforms are designed to ensure that every school leaver has opportunities to pursue vocational or technical education that matches their abilities while meeting the evolving needs of the country’s economy and employment sector. She also stressed that vocational education should be recognised as an equally valuable pathway alongside university education, helping to remove long-standing social perceptions surrounding career choices.
Dr. Amarasuriya further commended the principal, teachers, students and parents of Balangoda Vidyaloka Central College for their efforts in organising the exhibition, describing the event as an excellent example of how schools can encourage innovation and holistic learning.
According to the Prime Minister’s Media Division, the event was attended by Ratnapura District Members of Parliament Wasantha Pushpa Kumara and Sunil Rajapaksha, the Mayor of Balangoda, members of the Municipal Council, the Zonal Director of Education, the school’s principal and teaching staff, as well as parents and students.