Harini Amarasuriya Announces Curriculum Expansion and Recruitment of 23,006 Teachers

Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education Dr. Harini Amarasuriya has announced that Sri Lanka’s new school curriculum, introduced for Grade 1 in 2026, is scheduled to be extended to Grades 2 and 6 in 2027.

She said the education reforms aim to develop a generation equipped not only with knowledge and skills but also with strong values.

The Prime Minister made these remarks on October 24 while attending the ceremony to hand over a newly constructed two-storey building at Athumalpitiya Primary School in Polonnaruwa to students.

Dr. Amarasuriya stressed that curriculum changes must be accompanied by improvements to school infrastructure and human resources. She also called on public representatives to help ensure that funds allocated for school development projects in the Polonnaruwa District are used effectively and that projects are completed promptly.

Recruitment of 23,006 teachers

The Prime Minister said recruitment examinations for 23,006 teachers had been completed, following several years in which the recruitment of teachers and principals had not been carried out systematically. Interviews and practical assessments related to the recruitment process are scheduled to begin in November, she said.

She also highlighted the need to move away from an education model focused primarily on teachers delivering knowledge. Instead, she said, a student-centred approach should help learners apply what they learn in practical situations and engage more effectively with social and economic challenges.

Dr. Amarasuriya added that legal work had already begun to establish an Education Council to protect and improve professional standards in the education sector, particularly as the new reforms place greater demands on teachers.

Completion of stalled school construction

The newly opened school building was originally begun in 2017 but remained unfinished amid the country’s economic crisis. According to the Prime Minister, construction resumed after the current government took office and has now been completed.

She said unfinished construction projects could pose safety risks to students and that the government had prioritised reviewing and completing such projects.

The Prime Minister further stated that the government was committed to investing in education to strengthen the country’s human resources. This includes curriculum revisions, improved infrastructure and administration, and measures to enhance the professional standards of teachers and principals.