Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya told Parliament on Wednesday that the Ministry of Education has begun distributing smart boards required for new education reforms to schools, and any collection of money from parents for this purpose must stop immediately. She also clarified that no decision has been made to reduce free education or to close the Jayewardenepura Dental Faculty.
Responding to a question raised by Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, the Prime Minister welcomed his support for free education but urged MPs not to base questions on social media claims or unverified information.
Addressing the Wickramarachchi Medical Faculty, Amarasuriya explained that the institution had been established without proper regulatory approval and introduced courses outside accepted procedures, leaving students in a vulnerable position. She emphasized that government actions are based on an expert committee report and are not politically motivated.
Regarding smart boards, the Prime Minister stated that schools will receive the required equipment this year, and parents should not be asked to contribute funds. The Secretary to the Ministry of Education has already issued instructions prohibiting any such collections.
She further clarified that Information Technology will not be taught as a separate subject for Grades 1 to 5. Instead, age-appropriate technological awareness will be introduced, guided by expert advice, aligned with global developments, and ensuring child protection. Curricula decisions will be made by subject experts, not through political intervention.
The Prime Minister also said universities and higher education institutions are proceeding with recruitment to fill essential academic staff vacancies, subject to Cabinet approval. She acknowledged that, despite three decades since the establishment of the teacher service, further measures are needed to improve quality, including addressing promotion evaluations, recruitment procedures, and other structural issues, as part of a comprehensive plan to strengthen education standards.
