Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the government is in the process of formulating a national policy to ensure child protection in the use of technology. She made these remarks today (08) in Kandy while briefing the Most Venerable Mahanayake Theros of the Asgiriya and Malwathu Chapters on the issue that has arisen concerning the Grade 6 English module.
During the meeting, printed copies of all modules were presented to the Mahanayake Theros. Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister visited the Malwathu Viharaya and met the Most Venerable Thibbatuwawe Sri Siddhartha Sumangala Nayaka Thero, the Mahanayake of the Malwathu Chapter, where she explained the error that occurred in the first print run of the Grade 6 English module.
The Mahanayake Theros emphasized that education is a sensitive subject and stressed the need for greater care, proper oversight, and systematic implementation of education reforms. They also advised that a formal investigation be conducted into the matter.
Subsequently, the Prime Minister visited the Asgiriya Maha Viharaya and met the Most Venerable Warakagoda Sri Gnanarathana Mahanayaka Thero of the Asgiriya Chapter, where she further clarified the issue related to the English module. The Mahanayake Thero noted that education reforms are a timely necessity but must be carried out with due oversight and careful review, while also highlighting broader concerns about the use of technology in Sri Lanka, particularly the misuse of modern tools such as artificial intelligence on social media.
Clarifying the issue, Prime Minister Dr. Amarasuriya said that a committee has been appointed to look into the matter and that, based on recommendations by the National Institute of Education (NIE), steps were taken to remove the relevant lesson. She noted that all printed copies of the module have been stamped and that none have been distributed to schoolchildren. A formal investigation has been initiated by the Ministry, and a complaint has also been lodged with the Criminal Investigation Department.
Addressing the media later, the Prime Minister said that while the Opposition was attempting to politicize the issue, the government would move forward by acknowledging and correcting mistakes. She added that the no-confidence motion brought by the Opposition would be viewed as an opportunity to further advance dialogue on education reforms.
The occasion was attended by the Most Venerable Anunayaka Thero of the Asgiriya Chapter, Venerable Narampanawe Ananda Nayaka Thero; Deputy Registrar of the Asgiriya Chapter, Venerable Muruddeniye Dhammarakkhita Thero; Deputy Registrar of the Malwathu Chapter, Venerable Mahawela Rathanapala Thero; Members of Parliament Thushari Jayasinghe and Thanura Dissanayake; Mayor of Kandy Chandrasiri Wijenayake; Secretary to the Ministry of Education Nalaka Kaluwewa; and Secretary to the Ceylon Teachers’ Union in the Central Province, D. D. Wimalaweera.
