“We cannot do this by dividing; we must all come together” – PM on education reforms

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya has called for open, fact-based dialogue on the country’s ambitious new education reforms, emphasizing that public participation, suggestions, and even criticisms are vital to the success of the initiative.

Speaking at a special awareness program for education officials in the Western Province—held at the Western Provincial Council Auditorium—Dr. Amarasuriya noted the high level of public interest in the ongoing education transformation process.

“The fact that people are engaging, offering ideas, and raising concerns shows a healthy public discourse,” the Prime Minister said. “Through inclusive dialogue, we can move toward better outcomes.”

Dr. Amarasuriya reiterated the government’s longstanding commitment to prioritizing education from the earliest stages of policy planning. She highlighted that these reforms are not sudden, but part of a long-term national development agenda aimed at transforming both education and society.

At the heart of the reforms is a vision to move beyond textbook-focused, exam-oriented learning and to cultivate well-rounded individuals with critical thinking, leadership skills, and a broad worldview. The new framework introduces structural changes built around five core pillars, starting with real-world skills development from Grade 10 onwards.

“These reforms are not just about changing the curriculum,” she stated. “We’re addressing deep-rooted issues in the system. For too long, policy decisions were made in response to trends, without tackling fundamental challenges.”

Dr. Amarasuriya acknowledged that some misinformation and misunderstandings have emerged in public discussions but welcomed constructive criticism and calls for clarity. “We need everyone in the education sector to understand the reforms and help communicate them effectively to the public,” she said. “This is a historic task for our children, and it requires unity—not division.”

The Prime Minister also emphasized the need to create platforms for broader public engagement and ongoing dialogue as the reforms are implemented.

The event was attended by key officials, including the Deputy Ministers of Education and Higher Education, Vocational Education, and Labour, the Governor of the Western Province, Members of Parliament, senior officials from the Ministry of Education, and representatives from the National Institute of Education, the Department of Examinations, and the Western Province Department of Education.

The awareness program is part of a wider national effort to ensure stakeholders across all levels of the education system are informed and engaged in implementing reforms designed to prepare Sri Lanka’s youth for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.