Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, who also serves as the Minister of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education, emphasized that underprivileged schools selected for development must be approved by the District Development Committee and not chosen based on personal or political favoritism.
Speaking at an awareness program held on 13th of July at the Eastern Provincial Council premises, Dr. Amarasuriya said the new education reforms aim to ensure that every student has access to either employment or higher education after completing school. The event was organized to brief officials in the Eastern Province about the proposed reforms.
She described the reforms as a “historic opportunity” to deliver high-quality education that meets international standards. Under the new system, all students will receive a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) certificate upon completing school, equipping them for the job market.
Highlighting the current system’s shortcomings, the Prime Minister noted that schools often fail to prepare students for employment, forcing universities to take on the role of developing soft skills. She stressed the need for such skill development to begin at the school level.
Beginning from Grade 9, students will be exposed to practical experiences to help them choose their future careers. Whether a student completes 11 or 13 years of schooling, they will be able to either enter the workforce or pursue a degree. Those who wish to do both—work and study—will also have that option.
Dr. Amarasuriya clarified that the reforms extend beyond curriculum changes and will include improvements in school infrastructure, teacher training, and the promotion of inclusive dialogue on the reform process.
She also urged that the funds allocated this year for infrastructure development be used wisely and fairly. “Children in disadvantaged areas cannot receive a quality education if we continue to marginalize them,” she said.
The Prime Minister called on all relevant stakeholders—including the Ministry of Education, Provincial Councils, Zonal and Divisional Education Offices—to collaborate closely to ensure the success of the reforms.
The event was attended by Eastern Province Governor Jayanta Lal Ratnasiri, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment Arun Hemachandra, MPs Roshan Akmeemana and S. Kugananthan, Education Secretary Nalaka Kaluwawa, and officials from the Ministry of Education, Department of Examinations, National Institute of Education, and Provincial Departments.
