February 10, Colombo (LNW): A key parliamentary body has endorsed the findings of an expert group tasked with shaping the proposed Education Council, marking an important step in Sri Lanka’s ongoing education reforms.
The approval was given at a recent meeting of the Parliamentary Sub-Committee on the establishment of the Education Council, chaired by Deputy Minister of Labour Mahinda Jayasinghe. During the session, the final report prepared by the expert committee appointed by the Ministry of Education was formally accepted for onward consideration.
The document was presented to the sub-committee by Professor O.G. Dayaratne, who led the expert panel. Members of the parliamentary body had already submitted their observations and recommendations on the report prior to the meeting, contributing to its refinement.
According to Deputy Minister Jayasinghe, the report has since been published in all three national languages—Sinhala, Tamil and English—and circulated among sub-committee members to ensure wider accessibility and informed discussion.
The sub-committee has now resolved to submit the report to the Parliamentary Consultative Committee of the Ministry of Education, which is expected to take it up at its meeting scheduled for 18 February. Formal clearance is anticipated at that stage.
Once approved, the proposals will be opened to public scrutiny for a month, allowing teachers, school administrators, trade unions and other stakeholders to share their views. Officials have indicated that constructive feedback received during this consultation period will be carefully reviewed and, where appropriate, incorporated.
Deputy Minister Jayasinghe said the intention is to move swiftly thereafter, introducing the necessary legal framework to establish the Education Council, with amendments made to reflect both expert guidance and public input.
