Sri Lanka’s Media Urged to Play Key Role in Communicating New Education Reforms

Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education Dr Harini Amarasuriya has called on the country’s media organisations to play a leading role in fostering national dialogue and communicating the government’s new education reforms accurately to the public.

She made these remarks on October 14, 2026, at a programme held at Temple Trees, where heads of electronic and print media organisations were briefed on the proposed reforms. The event also marked the official launch of the Reform Information & Enquiry Service (RIES), a dedicated platform designed to provide the public with accurate and reliable information about the reform process.

Members of the public can submit questions and seek clarification regarding the reforms through the official website: https://edureformfact.moe.gov.lk.

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister emphasised that a country’s future depends on the quality of its education system. She described the proposed reforms as a transformation of the entire education system, extending beyond changes to the curriculum.

The first phase of the programme was introduced for Grade 1 in 2026, while the reforms are scheduled to be introduced to Grade 6 in 2027. She said preparations were already underway to ensure the education system was ready for implementation, including teacher training, infrastructure development and digitalisation.

Dr Amarasuriya stressed that education reform should be regarded as a national responsibility rather than a task confined to the Ministry of Education. She called on all stakeholders to contribute to constructive public discussion and support the implementation process, regardless of their political differences.

She also urged the public to keep children’s education separate from political disputes, noting that the future of the country’s children would be shaped by the decisions taken today.

Delivering a special presentation on the reforms, Professor Prabath Jayasinghe, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Public Awareness of Education Reforms at the Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, outlined the key changes proposed under the new system.

He explained that the reforms aim to move away from a teacher-centred approach based largely on memorisation towards student-centred learning that incorporates deeper understanding and real-world experiences.

The proposed approach seeks to support not only children’s cognitive development but also their emotional, social, physical and moral growth.

The reforms also aim to equip students with essential 21st-century competencies, including technological, financial, media and scientific literacy, alongside interpersonal skills such as critical thinking and communication, as well as a strong system of values.

Another key objective is to establish flexible learning pathways that connect general, vocational and tertiary education, creating opportunities for children to continue their education up to Grade 13 without being left behind.

Professor Jayasinghe further explained that new assessment methods would reduce reliance on final examinations that primarily test memorisation. Instead, continuous assessment would be used to evaluate students’ analytical thinking, creativity and problem-solving abilities, providing a broader understanding of their skills and progress.

The programme concluded with a discussion among media organisation heads, senior journalists and education specialists on the proposed changes and their implications for the country’s education system.

Deputy Minister of Education and Higher Education Dr Madhura Senewiratne, Deputy Minister of Vocational Education Nalin Hewage, Ministry Secretary Nalaka Kaluwewa, National Institute of Education Director General O. G. Dayaratne, Additional Secretary for Education Reforms Wasana Edirisooriya, members of the National Committee on Education Reforms and other ministry officials also attended the event.