The Deputy Director General of the National Institute of Education (NIE), Darshana Samaraweera, has been placed on compulsory leave in connection with the controversial Grade 6 English language module. In addition, two other NIE officials have been suspended over the same incident.
Earlier, the Director General of the NIE, Prof. Manjula Vithanapathirana, voluntarily stepped down from her position pending the conclusion of an inquiry into the issue.
The Ministry of Education also suspended the distribution of a newly printed Grade 6 English module after it was confirmed that the material contained a reference to an inappropriate website. The textbook, which had already been printed, was prepared by the National Institute of Education.
According to the Ministry, an investigation was launched following a complaint alleging that the name of an unsuitable website had been included in the module. As investigations continue, the Secretary to the Ministry of Education, Nalaka Kaluwewe, has lodged a formal complaint with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
Meanwhile, the government has decided to defer the implementation of proposed education reforms related to Grade 6 until 2027. Cabinet Spokesman Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said the decision was taken at the weekly Cabinet meeting held under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
Minister Jayatissa explained that, in light of the controversy surrounding the Grade 6 English module and several other concerns, the government decided not to proceed with the proposed Grade 6 education reforms this year. He added that based on the findings of investigations conducted by the CID and the Ministry of Education, the Academic Affairs Board of the NIE will take disciplinary action against the officials responsible for the incident.
