July 28, Colombo (LNW): Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya has called for sweeping changes to Sri Lanka’s education system, stressing that true reform requires more than just updated learning materials—it demands a rethinking of the entire structure and purpose of education in the country.
Speaking at a panel discussion held on 26 July at the Ratnapura Town Hall, organised by the Ratnapura District Women’s Collective of the National People’s Power (NPP), Dr Amarasuriya highlighted the deep-rooted challenges currently facing students, parents, and educators alike. The event, themed “For a Prosperous Nation – Let’s Unite as Women”, brought together a wide cross-section of political representatives and grassroots activists.
The Prime Minister pointed to the overemphasis on examinations as a central issue, arguing that the current model puts immense pressure on children and fuels an unhealthy level of competition, which in turn burdens families and distorts the broader goals of education. “We have long advocated for a system that nurtures rather than oppresses, that promotes learning instead of merely testing,” she stated.
Dr Amarasuriya also criticised the legacy of politically driven educational decisions made by previous administrations. Citing the Ratnapura District as an example, she observed that numerous schools were hastily rebranded as ‘National Schools’ without any meaningful improvements in infrastructure, resources, or teaching standards. “There’s a long-standing habit of launching buildings with grand plaques bearing politicians’ names, while the quality of education within those walls continues to decline,” she remarked.
She further condemned the historical trend of cutting national education funding, saying it forced families to shoulder increasing costs and eroded the professional stature of teachers and education officials. “Past governments talked at length about reform, but the political culture they upheld consistently obstructed genuine change. They failed to provide the resources, personnel, and long-term vision required to make transformation possible,” she said.
In response, Dr Amarasuriya outlined her government’s new approach—rooted in inclusive policy-making, public consultation, and a clear commitment to social equity. “We are not just adjusting the curriculum. We are creating the groundwork for long-term social progress by investing in people, not just infrastructure,” she said.
She urged the public to become active participants in what she described as a national conversation on the future of education. “We are shaping a future where education prepares our young people not only for exams, but for life, for responsible citizenship, and for global competitiveness. This is a collective effort—and every voice matters,” she told the audience.
Calling on members of the Ratnapura Women’s Collective and other attendees to spread this message across their communities, the Prime Minister framed the reform initiative as part of a larger vision to build a knowledgeable, ethical, and economically resilient society.
The event was attended by several prominent figures from the National People’s Power movement, including Ratnapura District MP Nilusha Lakmali, Mayor Indrajith Katugampola, and numerous local councillors and activists, all of whom pledged support for the ongoing reform agenda.
