New Education Reforms to Introduce Seven-Subject O/L Plan from 2027

Sri Lanka is planning to introduce a seven-subject structure for the G.C.E. Ordinary Level (O/L) examination under a new set of education reforms scheduled to be implemented from 2027.

The proposed structure, which includes History and an aesthetic subject, was discussed at a subcommittee meeting on education reforms held in Parliament.

The meeting was chaired by Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education Dr. Harini Amarasuriya. The Department of Communication of Parliament said the proposed changes are part of wider reforms aimed at reshaping the school education system.

Under the proposed O/L reforms, the total number of subjects will be limited to seven, with History and aesthetic studies included in the curriculum.

The reforms also propose introducing vocational education for students in Grades 10 and 11, providing students with opportunities to gain practical and career-oriented skills while continuing their school education.

For students in Grades 12 and 13, modules covering social cohesion, law and ethics are planned as part of the senior secondary education curriculum.

As an initial step towards implementing the reforms, activity books, teacher guides and learning modules for Grades 2 and 6 have already been prepared. Work is also continuing on the implementation of teacher training programmes required to support the new curriculum.

The proposed changes are expected to form part of a broader restructuring of Sri Lanka’s education system, with further measures to be introduced as preparations for the 2027 reforms progress.