December 12, Colombo (LNW): Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya has strongly emphasised that education should not be treated as a commodity but rather as a fundamental right that contributes to individual and societal development.
During her address at a workshop held under the theme “Preparing Relevant Strategies to Transform the Existing Education System” at the Colombo Foundation Institute, the Prime Minister stressed the need to shift the prevailing mindset that views education merely as a transactional process.
“Education is not something that can be bought or sold,” she said, urging a cultural shift away from the transactional view that education is simply a product to be consumed.
“It has become a transaction, and this culture must be changed. We need to understand that education is not just about acquiring knowledge; it is about personal transformation, social change, and a collective development of society as a whole.”
In her speech, Prime Minister Amarasuriya highlighted the importance of crafting policies and making decisions based on data that serves the best interests of schoolchildren.
“We must approach education as a long-term investment, not something that will yield immediate results,” she explained. “The government is committed to investing in education, but we need to do so with careful consideration, making data-driven decisions that can genuinely improve the system over time.”
The workshop, attended by key stakeholders including Deputy Minister of Education Dr. Madura Seneviratne, Secretary to the Ministry of Education Nalaka Kaluwewa, and other educational professionals, was part of the broader efforts to discuss reforms across various educational stages, from early childhood development to higher education and vocational training.
Amarasuriya underscored that the need for reform was critical in order to develop a system that equips students not just with knowledge, but with the skills and sense of social responsibility required to contribute to a greater society.
She continued, “Our education system must open opportunities for students to engage with the world. It should foster a sense of social responsibility. It is not just about personal development, but about contributing to the betterment of society as a whole. We must equip our children with knowledge and skills, but also with the values of empathy, responsibility, and community.”
The Prime Minister also noted the importance of fostering a more humane and empathetic approach from public service officers, urging that officials in the education sector treat the public with respect and dignity.
She highlighted concerns raised by the public regarding officers who were perceived as unresponsive, impolite, or disengaged.
“We must address these concerns and ensure that our public service officials are not only efficient but also compassionate,” she said.
Prime Minister Amarasuriya concluded by stressing that a reformed education system should be built on clear, well-researched data, and that steps should be taken to eliminate inefficiencies and improve the quality of service in the education sector.
“The culture of inefficiency and neglect must end,” she said firmly.
