March 09, Colombo (LNW):The government is set to enact new Public Procurement Law to end the practice of accepting unsolicited proposals without competing bids and there is a lack of clarity in the government procurement which leads to reports of large-scale corruption, official sources said.
Many government purchases are made by public tenders, usually advertised in the local media and increasingly through government websites.
The government has publicly committed to follow international government procurement standards but often implementation of international procurement standards is weak, especially for projects and goods not funded through international financial institutions.
Well-informed local agents can be the key to winning these tenders, though even the most connected local firms have trouble navigating the labyrinth of the government-tender process.
Local agents also often represent more than one foreign supplier, so when they encounter difficulties, including charges of possible corruption, they are reluctant to voice concerns fearing it will jeopardize other business interests. It can sometimes be difficult to get an objective appraisal from local agents.
Sri Lanka’s current public procurement system based on comprehensive National Procurement Guidelines issued in 2006/7 is being replaced by a new Public Procurement Law in December 2024, public finance department sources proclaimed.
The country currently lacks a formal legislative basis for procurement. All government procurement are being carried out in accordance with Cabinet approved guidelines.
The Procurement Guidelines 2006, sets out various procurement methods, bidding procedures, and rules for awarding contracts.
The proposed law is aimed at enhancing the effectiveness, efficiency and transparency in the public procurement system making it more accountable, streamlined and cost effective, a high official of the department said.
This will be a fulfillment of International Monetary Fund conditions under its public reforms and management of public resources.
The government authorities recognise that public procurement remains an area of governance weakness, with associated corruption vulnerabilities, despite attempts to improve its effectiveness.
The reports of the Finance Ministry, the Auditor-General’s Department, and the Department of Management of Audit have indicated procurement malpractices and corruption that have led to inefficiencies and waste of scarce state resources.
These reports have identified issues including lack of procurement planning, not using relevant procurement procedures stipulated by the Procurement Guidelines, inadequate competitiveness in the selection procedure, accepting unsolicited proposals for high value projects.
The other short comings were poor contract management, lack of knowledge and capacity of the officials in procurement, poor monitoring and weak external oversight, and the incomplete coverage of independent complaints mechanisms.
A regulatory body will be established under the new law with necessary authority and competency for the modernisation of the legal framework, public finance department high official disclosed.
Necessary action will be taken to design and operate a designated website containing information on al public procurement contracts above Rs 1 billion while updating it in every 6 months.
A list of contracts above a designated threshold that were assigned without a competitive tendering process will be published in the web site Information is to be updated every 6 months.
All public procurement transactions will be carried out under an e-Government Procurement System by the end of 2025 in accordance with recommendations made by the IMF, he said.
March 09, Colombo (LNW): The government has accelerated the World Bank funded US$434 million Climate Resilience Multi-Phased Programme to be expedited as it was carried out in slow pace since 2021, irrigation ministry announced.
“This project is all about protecting people’s lives, property, and public assets,” said Faris Hadad-Zervos, Country Director of the World Bank for Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.
“Investments to modernize existing systems with state-of-the-art technology and to international standards will help the Government realize its vision of a disaster-resilient Sri Lanka”he said , noting that public support and coordination among core stakeholders will lead to the success of this project.
The Government and the World Bank signed a US $92 million financing agreement for the Phase I of the project which was expected to benefit around 11.2 million people across the country by modernising the weather, flood, and landslide forecasting and early warning systems.
The project builds on the successful collaboration between the government and World Bank in flood-risk mitigation and long-term resilience to climate risks, which began in 2010 with the Dam Safety and Water Resources Planning project, followed by the Metro Colombo Urban Development Project in 2012 and through the Climate Resilience Improvement Project in 2014.
The COVID-19 pandemic, and the country’s economic crisis have received the government’s attention and priority making other important issues, like the effects of climate change less important , a senior official of the ministry said.
A progress review meeting of the project was held at the irrigation ministry recently with the participation of minster Pavithra Wanniarachchi, state minister Sashindra Rajapaksa, several senior officials and World Bank representatives.
The South Asia Regional Director for Sustainable Development at the World Bank. Dina Umali-Deininger and other representatives have suggested a strategic plan to achieve the objectives of project expeditiously.
The two sides agreed to award relevant contracts for projects up to the amount of $ 51million giving priory to economically productive areas as soon as possible under the phase 1 which will be completed by 2026. .
The project will support the government departments to better forecast weather-related hazards, improve early warning systems, and invest in flood resilient infrastructure. It will also lay the foundation for reducing flood risks in the Kelani River basin in the long run.
Measures will be taken to ensure safe and reliable drinking water supply for Colombo by improving the salinity barrier at Ambathale, and long-term climate resilience in the Kelani River basin through studies and detailed investment proposals for multi-purpose flood resilience infrastructure in the next project phases
It will also be improving the salinity barrier at Ambathale,. The project builds on years of experience, technical studies, and close consultation with stakeholders – relevant government departments, project affected people and civil society groups.
A sum of $15 million will be allocated for 25 districts to maintain and rehabilitate rural tanks and canal ways for the benefit of farmers effected by economic crisis.
March 09, Colombo (LNW):As the nation grapples with an intense heatwave, ophthalmologists are cautioning the public about the potential hazards of sunlight exposure to the human eye. Consultant Eye Surgeon Professor Madhuwanthi Dissanayake, affiliated with the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Colombo, emphasized the risks associated with direct sunlight, citing potential damage to delicate eye cells that could result in vision-related issues.
Professor Dissanayake highlighted the cumulative nature of such damage over time, underscoring the heightened susceptibility to developing cataracts. The warning comes as a reminder for individuals to take proactive measures to protect their eyes from the harmful effects of prolonged exposure to sunlight, especially during the current period of extreme heat.
March 09, Colombo (LNW):In a significant announcement on the National Celebration of International Women’s Day, President Ranil Wickremesinghe disclosed his administration’s intent to introduce two landmark bills focused on promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment. The President outlined the key provisions of these legislative initiatives, both of which are scheduled for presentation to Parliament in May.
As per the President’s Media Division (PMD), the first of these bills is the proposed Women’s Empowerment Act, which includes the establishment of a dedicated commission. The primary objective of this commission is to foster the advancement and empowerment of women, implementing mechanisms to safeguard their rights in alignment with constitutional provisions.
President Wickremesinghe highlighted that the draft of the Women’s Empowerment Act was officially published in the Gazette on March 7, marking a crucial step towards its realization. The forthcoming legislative measures aim to create a more inclusive and equitable society by addressing gender disparities and enhancing opportunities for women across various sectors.
March 09, Colombo (LNW): The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has initiated inquiries into the condition of two Sri Lankan nationals who were rescued from a cargo ship targeted by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea. The Sri Lankan Ambassador to Ethiopia has officially requested information from Djibouti authorities, urging a prompt report on the incident.
The cargo ship, named True Confidence, was en route from China to Jeddah when it fell victim to a Houthi missile strike in the Gulf of Aden. The attack, resulting in the tragic loss of three crew members, prompted the Indian Navy’s intervention, leading to the rescue of 21 individuals on board, including the two Sri Lankans. The survivors were safely transported to Djibouti.
According to Sri Lanka Navy spokesperson Captain Gayan Wickramasooriya, one of the rescued Sri Lankans suffered serious burns, while the other remained uninjured. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs continues to closely monitor the situation, emphasizing the need for timely updates on the well-being of the rescued citizens.
March 09, Colombo (LNW):In a recent announcement at the Presidential Media Centre, State Minister for Education Arvindh Kumar outlined significant reforms aimed at advancing the education system in the country. Under the theme “Collective Path to a Stable Country,” he revealed plans to elevate the General Certificate of Education Advanced Level exam to Grade 12, preceding Grade 13. Additionally, the General Certificate of Education Ordinary Level exam, currently conducted in Grade 11, will be moved to Grade 10.
During the media briefing, State Minister Kumar emphasized the government’s commitment to recognizing and nurturing the cognitive abilities of today’s children. To achieve this, a “Pre-Grade” program will be introduced before Grade One, acknowledging the rapid learning potential of young learners.
In further efforts to enhance the education sector, Kumar announced the government’s intention to expand the number of zonal education offices from approximately 100 to 120. This expansion aims to facilitate better governance and oversight, contributing to an overall improvement in the education system.
As the United Nations prepares to observe this year’s International Women’s Day with the theme “Count Her In: Invest in Women. Accelerate progress,” Sri Lanka, like many nations, grapples with a confluence of crises driven by geopolitical conflicts, rising poverty levels, and the escalating impact of climate change. Recognising the pivotal role of women in addressing these challenges, the UN underscores the urgent need for their empowerment. Despite the significant economic contributions made by women globally, alarming projections indicate that over 342 million women and girls could be pushed into extreme poverty by 2030.
Women are disproportionately burdened with unpaid care work, estimated at three times the amount performed by men, with an economic value surpassing 40% of the global GDP. Yet, they continue to face persistent obstacles, exacerbated by widespread violations of the right to education, hindering progress towards gender equality and perpetuating poverty on a global scale. Shockingly, around 244 million children worldwide are deprived of education, with 617 million lacking basic literacy and numeracy skills (UN, 2024).
Spectrum of problems women encounter
Despite the improvements in women’s rights over the years, there have been reversals as well. The current tendencies in social development does not guarantee continued progress for their empowerment.
The world is going through many conflicts, some of them major, adversely affecting women and children. In general, women encounter problems in society due to violence against them, discrimination due to gender, sexual harassment and so on. Rising authoritarianism and dreadful climate change impacts, women face many issues related to education, work, healthcare, legal rights, violence and much more.
Understanding these issues will help communities to work together to achieve gender equality, protect human rights and ensure safety of all people. World-wide, women face many challenges due to domestic violence, sexism, reproductive rights, discrimination in many sectors etc. In some communities, women face specific issues due to their own religious practices, cultural traditions etc. leading to genital mutilation and child marriage practices. At workplaces, women have been trying to break through glass ceilings for many decades, though some women run large corporations and hold high management positions. Despite the progress achieved so far, sexism, violence and discrimination still remain.
For example, there is strong resistance in the United States against a woman becoming its President, though its government is full of women holding high positions of power. However, in South-East Asia, many countries have had women as heads of state, though the rank and file women in those societies are not as independent as in other countries. In the US women’s reproductive rights associated with birth control and abortion are a major issue. In particular, teen pregnancies can become a major concern affecting young women. On the other hand, in France, the parliament enshrined abortion as a constitutional right, thus giving women the “guaranteed freedom” to choose.
Though not limited to women, domestic violence starting from the teenage days has become a major concern in most of the countries of the world. Abuse and violence take many forms from emotional and psychological abuse to sexual and physical abuse. In Australia, it is a large and growing problem. On a global scale, female genital mutilation has become an issue of concern for many women. The UN has recognised that the practice of genital mutilation is a violation of human rights.
Sri Lanka’s Efforts
During the previous International Women’s Day in 2023, Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Women, Child Affairs, and Social Empowerment unveiled the ambitious “National Policy on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment” aimed at fostering equal rights and opportunities for women across all sectors. Despite these noble intentions, tangible improvements in women’s rights and status remain elusive.
In Sri Lanka, the majority of women are employed mostly in the low-skilled service sectors other than a few sectors such as teaching and healthcare. Female representation in high-skilled sectors remains limited due to various factors, including a lack of awareness regarding available job opportunities that offer fair working conditions. The proliferation of neoliberal economic models has predominantly led to informal employment for women, i.e., jobs lacking in stability and decent wages.
Challenges in Ensuring Decent Work
Formal employment opportunities offering decent wages and working conditions are scarce in Sri Lanka, particularly outside major urban centres like Colombo. Gender biases persist in hiring practices, with employers often reluctant to accommodate women due to perceived burdens associated with caregiving responsibilities and maternity leave. Consequently, women encounter barriers to career advancement and promotions, further exacerbating their limited participation in the labour force.
Furthermore, the lack of female representation in decision-making roles within both public and private sectors hampers women’s access to decent work opportunities. Factors such as education levels and English proficiency influence employment prospects, but the burden of unpaid household work and childcare predominantly falls on women, affecting their ability to engage in formal employment.
Challenges in SMEs and Policy Frameworks
Sri Lanka’s economy is largely driven by Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), which often grapple with issues such as poor management, low productivity, limited investment, lack of innovation and product diversification through value-adding. Converting informal sector employment into more dignified opportunities presents a significant challenge, exacerbated by the absence of affordable childcare services, particularly in rural areas.
Unlike countries such as Australia, where childcare costs are subsidized, Sri Lanka struggles with pervasive corruption and inefficiency within its governance structures, hindering efforts to improve childcare accessibility and quality. Establishing consistent national policies aimed at fostering early childhood development is essential for ensuring a brighter future for generations to come.
Addressing Patriarchy and Social Conflict
Sri Lanka, like many societies worldwide, grapples with entrenched patriarchal norms, despite notable female leadership figures in politics and governance. Overcoming systemic biases against women requires a concerted effort to shift societal perceptions and responsibilities towards shared parenting and caregiving roles.
The enduring legacy of armed conflicts in Sri Lanka has further marginalized women, particularly widows who endure economic hardships and face exploitation and abuse. Efforts to address their needs and reduce their social and economic burdens are crucial for fostering a culture of peace and reconciliation in post-war societies like Sri Lanka.
Combatting Poverty and Exploitation
Economic desperation, exacerbated by rural poverty, drives many Sri Lankan women into informal employment sectors, exposing them to exploitation and abuse. Unregulated micro-credit schemes target vulnerable women, perpetuating cycles of debt and vulnerability.
The nation must confront the stark reality that diminishing access to education and employment opportunities, particularly during times of crisis, lead to perpetuating cycles of poverty and inequality. Investing in the education and empowerment of women is essential for realizing the vision of a just and equitable society.
In conclusion, the challenging issue women encounter today can be addressed by fighting against gender and economic inequality. This can be achieved mainly by ensuring the right of girls to access education, providing women platforms and incentives to achieve political and economic independence, influencing the end of domestic violence both physical and psychological by enacting and impartially implementing legislation to prevent such violence, assuring women access to appropriate health facilities etc.
Addressing the multifaceted challenges faced by women in Sri Lanka requires a comprehensive approach encompassing policy reforms, economic empowerment initiatives, and social transformation efforts aimed at dismantling patriarchal structures and fostering inclusive development etc. Only through our collective action and unwavering commitment can we truly achieve gender equality and empower women to thrive in all aspects of society.
Sir Anthony Weldon (1583-1648) once said, “Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me again, shame on me as well.” This applies to all political parties in Sri Lanka and also to the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna – JVP. For a long time, I have maintained that Sri Lanka has become an international playground and presently the JVP has started to make their contribution to it.
Some researchers try to say that the birth of the JVP is equivalent to that of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam – LTTE. In fact, the JVP’s birth originated in a class struggle. It is a revolutionary organisation to capture power over the whole of Sri Lanka. However, the birth of the LTTE was caused by Sinhala-Buddhists governments and the failure of thirty years of non-violent struggle for recognition of the political aspirations of the people in the N&E.
Tamils and India are intolerable terms to the JVP. They have demonstrated their attitude and behaviour repeatedly on these affairs. Right from its beginning, the JVP had no policy regarding the Ethnic conflict, which existed before independence and ever since. From the start, the JVP always identified themselves as Sinhala Nationalists, opposed to any positive government proposals regarding the N&E or the upcountry Tamils.
Every government in power looks for a pretext to balk at a political solution to people in the N&E. After May 2009 Rajapaksas and their group said that “there is no ethnic conflict as such’ in Sri Lanka”.
In the early 1980s, when President J. R. Jayewardene introduced the District Council system, the JVP were the first to oppose it with propaganda stating that district councils would divide the country. Whether true or not, right or wrong – there were accusations of carrying out the horrible July ‘83 riots targeting only Tamils.
Indo-Lanka accord
The JVP were against the Indo-Lanka accord of July 1987, saying that the 13th amendment to the constitution would lead to separation and Indian expansionism would begin. Premadasa from the UNP and Mahinda Rajapaksa from the SLFP supported this opinion. This created a pathway for the second JVP uprising from 1987-1989.
During this period the JVP opposed imports from India and even changed the name of Mysoor Dhal and Bombay Onions to red dhal and big onions.
It’s believed that JVP Leader Rohana Wijeweera was arbitrarily killed on 12 November 1989. His wife Chinthrangani Wijeweera, filed a habeas corpus petition in the Court of Appeal for the government to produce her husband. Other JVP leaders did nothing. So, it is said, when they are not even worried about their founder and the leader, how can they be bothered about the Tamils?
The JVP joined President Chandrika Kumaratunga’s government in 2004. Also, they backed Rajapakse’s presidential campaign in 2005 on the condition that it ended the ceasefire with the LTTE. In other words, restart the war.
JVP’s legal actions
The JVP protested against humanitarian rehabilitation and resettlement for those affected by the 2004 tsunami in the North and the East: they resigned from President Chandrika’s government on 16 June 2005 taking legal action against the LTTE – Post-Tsunami Operational Mechanism – PTOM.
The JVP defended the executive presidency during the renewed conflict with the LTTE, declaring it necessary to prosecute the war.
In October 2006, the Northern-Eastern Provincial council was legally demerged by the JVP and the Chief Justice Silva. Here I reluctantly mention that Tamil lawyers and Tamil political parties have lacked the courage to challenge this decision, whereas they are ready to challenge their own members and party.
If the JVP is to be trusted or believed by the people of the N&E in the imminent presidential election, in the past they have shown no concern about the land-grabbing and disappearances in the N&E.
In May 2009 along with the Rajapaksas, the JVP defended the massacre of thousands of Tamil civilians, more than 300,000 civilians detained in army-controlled camps and the arbitrary detention of 12,000 cadres or more.
Keheliya Rambukwella
The then government spokesperson Keheliya Rambukwella told the media that there were only fifty to sixty thousand civilians living within the Vanni area. So, we must believe Isaac Newton’s third law of motion, “every action has an equal and opposite reaction”. Today where is Keheliya Rambukwella?
In June 2007, Keheliya Rambukwella and a few other ministers had a side event during the session of the UNHRC. In that meeting I asked them a few questions regarding the Ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka. As they could not answer any of my questions, they wound up saying that I had disturbed their meeting. It is well documented.
During the uprising of the JVP in 1971, there was a public execution of Premawathi Manamperi, then beauty queen of Kataragama. She was arrested, tortured, raped and paraded naked through the streets and killed by army soldiers on 17 April 1971. Two soldiers, a Lieutenant and a Sergeant claimed that their orders were to “take no prisoners, bump them off and liquidate them.”
But, due to a huge outcry in the South, Premawathi’s body was exhumed. There was an inquest and the case was later referred to the Criminal Court and was heard by the Supreme Court.
Military act of section 100
In the Appeal Court of judgement, it was held that it was not a period of combat on 17 April 1971 – there was no justification for shooting a prisoner in custody. The military act of section 100 requires a person subject to military law to obey only the lawful commands given by his superior officers: not unlawful ones. Military officials holding custody of any detainees or prisoners are duty bound to ensure their safety.
Given the judgement in Premawathi’s case, what about the cases of rape, torture and killings of thousands of female and male civilians and cadres in custody, especially after they surrendered to the Army in May 2009?
There is enough video evidence of these killings. What was the reaction of the JVP in May 2009?
Regarding Premawathi’s case, during their second uprising, they killed one of the accused who returned after serving his prison sentence.
The comedian Vimal Weerawansa
Vimal Weerawansa, the present day comedian, a member of the JVP from 1987 – March 2008, contested some parliamentary elections as JVP candidate and won.
In October 2007 Weerawansa met with the US Ambassador and told him that “it is the US responsibility to help Sri Lanka to win the war”. A month later, in November 2007, he moaned to the government that the public will lose their patience, if any devolution package is offered to the N&E.
From March 2008 onwards, he became “Mahinda Rajapaksa’s voice”. On 8 July 2010, he began a so-called hunger strike outside the UN office in Colombo, protesting against the appointment of the Panel of Experts on Accountability in Sri Lanka.
In December 2010, he voiced his support for the Rajapaksas for abolishing the Tamil version of the national anthem. In March 2012 he demanded that Sri Lankans should boycott every product from the US, for sponsoring a resolution against Sri Lanka in the UN HRC.
With this virulent hate agenda against the people of the N&E, the JVP are now posing as if they are the ones who are going to resolve the Ethnic conflict.
Since independence, the People in the N&E have seen the real attitude of Southern politicians and political parties – broken promises, accords, cease-fire agreement, MoU etc. Therefore the N&E voting for the JVP in the Presidential election is meaningless.
One cannot forget what Maithiripala Sirisena said in 2015, as soon as he won the Presidential election – ‘Tamils voted for me and I have an obligation to resolve their political issues’. Then after a few years, he did a U-turn. India has been cheated by every Sri Lankan head of state – now it is believed that it is the JVP’s turn.
Among the Southern politicians and parties, only Dr Vikramabahu Karunaratne seems to have a realistic policy towards the ethnic conflict. Tamils have learned enough from the LSSP and the Communists in 1972.
The latest sweet words by President Ranil Wickremasinghe are that “they are for a two states solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict”. Whereas, even the 13th amendment which is part of the constitution and which has been in existence for the last thirty-seven years is at a stalemate. Mr Wickremasinghe should know that ‘charity begins at home’.
Last week, there was an interview given by the JVP’s Women Front leader Sarojah to a Tamil diaspora ‘Inpa Thamil Radio’ in Australia. In that interview, Sarojah said that ‘what has happened and is happening to the Tamils is Genocide’. Even though there were many issues lacking in her interview to earn votes of the Tamils, her reference to ‘Genocide’ attracted some people in the North and East.
In conclusion, I don’t hesitate to say that the JVP’s present tactic is “old wine in a new bottle”. (End)
1. President Ranil Wickremesinghe unveiled plans to introduce two significant bills aimed at advancing gender equality and women empowerment, with both slated for presentation to Parliament in May. Addressing the National Celebration of International Women’s Day at the Water’s Edge, Battaramulla, the President outlined the key provisions of these legislative initiatives.
2. President Ranil Wickremesinghe has convened a meeting on Monday (March 11) with the leaders of accepted opposition parties in parliament and the visiting high-level delegation of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). During the meeting, the opposition party leaders will be offered the chance to discuss the IMF’s proposals with the delegates.
3. Questions have been raised on former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s newly released book. ‘The Conspiracy’ which claims internationally sponsored regime change was the cause for him to be ousted from the Sri Lankan Presidency in 2022. The Russian Embassy in Sri Lanka questioned the former President’s suggestion that foreign ambassadors’ visits to Sri Lanka military objects should be restricted.
4. Sri Lanka’s Inland Revenue Department (IRD) has issued a notice outlining the requirements for Sri Lankan non-residents concerning the Tax Identification Number (TIN). Sri Lankan residents above 18 years of age are chargeable with income tax and are required to obtain registration with the Commissioner General of the IRD.
5. Ophthalmologists warn that exposure to sunlight can be hazardous to the human eye, in the backdrop of extreme heat being experienced in the country.
6. The Board of Directors including the Chairman of the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) have resigned. Trade Minister Nalin Fernando mentioned that the 15-member Board of Directors including Shantha Niriella have resigned in this manner. Reportedly, they have taken this step in compliance with a notification made by the minister.
7. Gold prices hit record highs for a fourth consecutive session.
Spot gold rose 0.4% to $2,168.28 per ounce as of 1057 GMT, while U.S. gold futures added 0.5% to $2,175.50. Gold reached a new all-time high of $2,170.99 earlier in the session and has gained more than 4.1% so far this week.
8. The Health Trade Union Alliance has reached a decision to give the Ministry of Finance one week to resolve the allowance issue. Co-Convener Chanaka Dharmawickrama said if no solution is provided in a week, they will resolve to strike action once again from the 19th of March.
9. Former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa highlights three major issues that need attention from Sri Lanka’s future leader. Those are to the concerns of the Sinhalese and Sinhala Buddhists feeling neglected by foreign and local entities, the economic decline and substantial national debt, the critical failures in law and order, national security, and intelligence during his tenure.
10. Lahiru Kumara has been reportedly added to the Sri Lanka ODI squad after Asitha Fernando was ruled out after an injury. Pathum Nissanka who missed the T20I series due to an injury has been also named in the ODI squad.
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.
