January 04, Colombo (LNW): The committee appointed to examine irregularities found in a newly produced Grade 6 English learning module has completed its investigation and submitted its findings, according to Education Minister Vijitha Herath.
Addressing journalists at a media briefing held today (04) at the Department of Government Information, the minister said the report would now be reviewed and that appropriate measures would be taken in line with its conclusions. He added that the authorities intend to act swiftly to prevent similar lapses in future educational materials.
The controversy arose after it emerged that the newly printed module contained a reference to an unsuitable website, prompting the immediate suspension of its distribution. The Ministry of Education launched an internal inquiry following a formal complaint, amid concerns over how such content found its way into material meant for schoolchildren.
The textbook was developed by the National Institute of Education (NIE) and had already gone to print when the issue was detected. Subsequently, the Secretary to the Ministry of Education, Nalaka Kaluwewe, filed a complaint with the Criminal Investigation Department, requesting a parallel criminal probe into the matter.
Mr Kaluwewe indicated that there was reason to believe the reference may have been inserted deliberately by an external party without authorisation. He stressed, however, that the document in question was not the final, legally approved version of the textbook and that ultimate responsibility for approval rests with the relevant education authorities.
As investigations continue, the Director General of the NIE, Professor Manjula Vithanapathirana, has temporarily stepped aside from her post, pending the outcome of the inquiry. The ministry has reiterated that safeguarding educational standards and protecting students remain its top priorities.
