April 28, Colombo (LNW): Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya has pledged sweeping reforms to Sri Lanka’s education sector, highlighting past failures in teacher recruitment and vowing that future appointments will be made solely based on actual school vacancies.
Speaking at a series of public meetings across the Kurunegala District, including in Polgahawela, Weerambugedara, Piduruwella, Pillesse, Mawathagama, and Paragahadeniya, Dr Amarasuriya underscored her government’s commitment to addressing systemic challenges through pragmatic governance and integrity at all levels.
The Prime Minister’s Media Division confirmed that large gatherings of residents and local candidates were present at these events.
Dr Amarasuriya noted that previous governments had often neglected the realities on the ground, leading to an imbalance in teacher distribution across the country.
She stressed that her administration would recruit teachers based strictly on genuine needs, aiming to close the gaps between urban and rural schools and ensure fair opportunities for all students.
Reflecting on broader political matters, the Prime Minister dismissed speculation circulating amongst opposition groups about a potential change in national leadership later this year.
She described such talk as baseless distractions, urging citizens to focus instead on the transformative work underway under the current administration.
Highlighting the impact of Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s presidency, Dr Amarasuriya said the political culture had shifted towards transparency and fiscal responsibility.
She pointed out that wasteful spending and abuse of privilege amongst officials had been significantly curtailed, freeing up resources to benefit the public. For the first time in years, she said, there was a noticeable absence of credible allegations of misconduct against the government.
Dr Amarasuriya also pointed to recent examples of growing communal harmony, noting how Muslim business establishments in Kandy had opened to support the influx of Buddhist pilgrims visiting the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. She hailed this development as a milestone in fostering national unity.
Turning to education reform, the Prime Minister was candid about the shortcomings that have plagued Sri Lanka’s system for decades. She criticised the outdated curricula, poor conditions in teacher training colleges, and the serious shortage of qualified lecturers.
The alarming rise in school dropouts, particularly amongst boys, and the intense competition between elite and underprivileged schools were cited as key areas needing urgent attention.
Dr Amarasuriya pledged a comprehensive overhaul, with a new education framework set to be introduced for Grade 1 and Grade 6 students from 2026. The reforms will focus on integrating knowledge, skills, and attitudes to produce well-rounded individuals who can contribute meaningfully to national development.
She emphasised that this initiative was not driven by electoral calculations but by a genuine desire to uplift future generations.
Plans are already underway to update subject curricula, enhance teacher training programmes, upgrade school infrastructure, and address critical issues within the Piriven education sector. A committee has been appointed to identify urgent needs and deliver actionable recommendations.
Dr Amarasuriya also stressed the importance of professionalism in teaching, drawing a stark comparison with Germany, where educators undergo nearly a decade of training before entering the classroom.
Although acknowledging that Sri Lanka has a long way to go, she maintained that the government was determined to set the country on the right path.
Closing her address, the Prime Minister asserted that clean, accountable leadership at the grassroots level would be essential for the success of these initiatives. She expressed confidence that the public would continue to place their trust in the National People’s Power (NPP) in the forthcoming elections, ensuring the continuation of these vital reforms.
