March 09, Colombo (LNW): Education Minister Dr. Susil Premajayantha has announced a groundbreaking initiative, set to commence on March 19, offering students from Grade Eight and above the opportunity to delve into the realms of Artificial Intelligence (AI) coupled with Information Technology (IT). The move aims to equip students with essential skills for the future, aligning education with individual abilities and preferences.
Speaking at a program held at the Education Ministry, Dr. Premajayantha emphasized the need to alleviate the academic pressure on primary education students, particularly those in Grade 1 to 5. Plans are underway to restructure the Grade 5 scholarship examination to reduce its competitiveness, ensuring a more holistic evaluation of students’ skills, including soft skills demonstrated outside the classroom.
In addition to the introduction of AI and IT studies for Grade 8 and above, the Education Minister outlined a pilot project launching in 20 schools on March 19. Teacher training for this initiative has already commenced, with nationwide implementation scheduled for the next academic year.
Further reforms include streamlining the G.C.E Ordinary Level Examination, reducing subjects to seven, and evaluating the remaining three based on industry and environmental knowledge relevant to students’ geographical locations. The overarching goal is to create a supportive environment where no student faces failure in the G.C.E Ordinary Level or G.C.E Advanced Level Examinations.
Dr. Premajayantha also disclosed plans to provide professional training in subjects aligned with students’ interests and skills. Out of the 337,000 students who recently took the Advanced Level Examination, 50,000 will undergo training in English, Information Technology, and Career Guidance at 300 centers nationwide, starting March 19. These measures signify a comprehensive effort to modernize education in Sri Lanka, fostering a more inclusive and skill-oriented approach to prepare students for the challenges of the future.
