March 11, Colombo (LNW): Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya has announced that the 2025 national budget marks the highest-ever allocation for education in Sri Lanka’s history.
During a speech in Parliament on March 10, as part of the ongoing budget debate, she revealed that the Ministry of Education (MOE) has introduced an ambitious five-pillar plan to spearhead critical reforms in the country’s education system.
The Prime Minister emphasised the significance of the proposed budget allocation, noting that it represents a groundbreaking commitment to enhancing educational standards and infrastructure.
She stated that the LKR 619 billion allocated for education will play a crucial role in transforming the sector, with clear mechanisms in place to ensure efficient and effective use of the funds.
Dr. Amarasuriya also paid tribute to the late Dr. Janaki Jayawardena, a revered academic and activist who was instrumental in advocating for increased education funding.
Dr. Jayawardena’s efforts were pivotal during the 2011-2012 Federation of University Teachers’ Associations (FUTA) protest, which highlighted the severe underfunding of education in Sri Lanka.
The Prime Minister recalled, “Dr. Janaki Jayawardena was a quiet yet unwavering force behind this movement. While she never sought the spotlight, her leadership was key to the success of the protest.”
The Prime Minister further stressed the importance of strategic educational reforms in achieving the social, political, and economic changes the country needs.
“Without a comprehensive overhaul of our education system, we cannot hope to realise the societal transformation we aspire to. Education reform is the cornerstone of progress,” she stated.
A major component of the government’s reform plan includes modernising the curriculum, enhancing teacher training, upgrading infrastructure, revising student assessment methods, and fostering greater societal engagement in education.
Dr. Amarasuriya emphasised that these reforms are necessary to ensure the country’s education system meets the needs of a rapidly changing world.
Highlighting the current state of many higher education institutions, the Prime Minister drew attention to the challenging conditions faced by students. She shared, “Many of our students are enduring severe hardship.
Some institutions have students who only receive one meal a day, and that is often not until the evening. This is unacceptable.”
In response, the government has allocated LKR 36.841 billion to improve higher education infrastructure, aiming to provide students with the resources they need to thrive.
“It is vital that we recognise and address the conditions in which our students live, learn, and grow. Their basic needs must be met to ensure their success,” Dr. Amarasuriya stated.
Additionally, the Prime Minister outlined plans to revamp vocational education, ensuring that it aligns with the evolving demands of the job market. By transforming vocational training into a modern, relevant field, the government aims to equip young people with the skills required for today’s dynamic labour market.
With these substantial investments and a comprehensive reform strategy in place, the government aims to ensure that Sri Lanka’s education system provides equal opportunities for all and fosters a brighter future for the nation’s youth.
