Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya said that their goal is to limit the number of students in a classroom to 25–30, adding that it is not possible to deliver quality education in classrooms with around 50 or 60 students.
The Prime Minister was participating in a program yesterday (July 19) at the Dakshinapaya auditorium, Galle, organised to raise awareness among education authorities in the Southern Province regarding the new education reforms. It was the fourth provincial awareness program on the new education reforms.
The Prime Minister said, “First and foremost, I would like to express my gratitude for the cooperation you extended towards the education reforms. Implementing a new education reform was something we discussed and planned even before our Government took office.”
In line with the Government’s policy, we held discussions with experts, sought opinions from various sectors, and formulated the policies, she said.
The Premier said that the new education reform is not only about updating the curriculum but also about enhancing teacher professionalism, reforming the educational administrative structure, and developing the infrastructure to ensure all children have access to equal and quality education.
“This is not something we are doing for personal gain; it is a responsibility we must fulfill with an understanding of the needs of the country,” she said.
The Prime Minister said, “There are people who initiate constructive dialogue about this with genuine intent, and there are also others who criticise it without a proper understanding. Some even criticise it for political gain. We know that this reform process is a challenge and it is not easy. However, it cannot be ignored. The people gave us their mandate to resolve these issues.” She said, “There is a lot to be done in terms of reforming education. The curricula in Teacher Training Colleges have not changed in 16 years. These must be revised. Teachers and education professionals must be provided with continuous training. Steps will be taken to train the teacher trainers to deliver proper teacher training from next month.”
Deputy Minister of Vocational Education Nalin Hewage said that steps are being taken to integrate vocational education institutions with the new education reform. This will create an opportunity for students to enter vocational education with dignity based on talent and skills, during their school years, instead of directing only underperforming students on vocational paths.
