President Anura Kumara Dissanayake underscored that the successful implementation of proposed education reforms requires a comprehensive transformation of the entire education system, alongside the strengthening of institutional structures.
The President made these remarks during a discussion held today (08) at the Presidential Secretariat with officials of the Ministry of Education, led by Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, regarding the proposed new education reform agenda.
During the meeting, Education Ministry officials provided a detailed briefing on the planned reforms. In response, President Dissanayake affirmed the government’s willingness to review the reform process thoroughly and to allocate necessary provisions based on identified needs.
He stressed that achieving the intended outcomes of the reform initiative would require a complete overhaul of the system. He highlighted the critical importance of developing both physical and human resources, and instructed that proper plans and budget estimates should be prepared following a detailed assessment. The President assured that necessary financial allocations would be considered in the upcoming budget.
The discussion also focused on engaging key stakeholders in the process, particularly teachers and students from the Faculty of Education. The President emphasized the need for broad consultation, encouraging the inclusion of diverse perspectives and suggestions.
As an initial step, President Dissanayake directed Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya to organize two awareness workshops on the proposed reforms for all Members of Parliament. The goal is to gather their ideas and feedback to ensure an inclusive and participatory reform process.
Also present at the meeting were Deputy Minister of Education and Higher Education Madura Seneviratne, Deputy Minister of Vocational Education Nalin Hewage, Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary to the Ministry of Education Nalaka Kaluwewa, along with other senior officials from the Ministry of Education.
