Hon. (Dr.) Madhura Senevirathna, M.P.

Jathika Jana balawegaya (JJB)· Nuwara - Eliya

Deputy Minister of Education and Higher Education

Profession: Medical Doctor

Roster profile ↗

Speeches 125 #36 of 225·#17 in party

Attendance 5/8 days present (of recorded)

Speech history

125 speeches

22 May 2026 AI summary On behalf of the Prime Minister and Minister of Education, the Deputy Minister tabled a detailed response on Kili/Kilinochchi Central College, stating that its O/L results and SEQI rating indicate a “Good” educational standard, while A/L outcomes remain below zonal averages despite gradual improvement. He acknowledged shortages in subject teachers, non-academic staff, furniture and other resources, and said cadre approvals have been sought from the Department of Management Services. He noted that principal and teacher vacancies are expected to be addressed through scheduled recruitment processes, including the Sri Lanka Principals’ Service examination and graduate and National Diploma in Teaching recruitments, with teacher gaps expected to be resolved by the first quarter of 2027. Oral Questions: Multiple Questions Tabled (Q.7-9, and Agricultural questions) Education Read →
8 May 2026 AI summary The Hon. (Dr.) Madhura Senevirathna stated that a formal policy is being prepared to revoke or close down institutions that exist only on paper and improperly confer titles. He clarified that the University Grants Commission has no authority over the use of “1116,” which would generally need to be challenged through civil action by a private citizen. He said the Government is developing a procedure in response to Hon. Rohana Bandara’s proposal to ensure titles are used through due process and to prevent misuse. Debate: Private Members' Motion P.43/2025 - Preventing Misuse of Positions of Professors and Doctors EducationParliamentary Procedure Read →
8 May 2026 AI summary The Deputy Minister said existing UGC circulars already restrict the use of “Professor,” “Senior Professor” and “Doctor” to active university service, with retired or resigned academics permitted to use only “Professor Emeritus” if formally conferred under UGC Circular 12/2021. He noted a separate problem of non-UGC institutions granting honorary doctorates or professorships without proper standards, and said the Higher Education Policy Drafting Committee is working to create a single registry and regulatory framework for all public, private and non-state awarding bodies. He stated that the Government accepts the Motion’s intent and will strengthen enforcement of UGC rules while regulating non-UGC entities that confer such titles. Debate: Private Members' Motion P.43/2025 - Preventing Misuse of Positions of Professors and Doctors Corruption & Governance ReformEducation Read →
8 May 2026 AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Madhura Senevirathna moved that Hon. Sagarika Athauda take the Chair during the proceedings. Debate: Private Members' Motion P.18/2024 - Formulating a Programme to Make School Students Aware of University of Vocational Technology Parliamentary Procedure Read →
8 May 2026 AI summary The Deputy Minister said the Government is considering measures to support student-athletes in universities, including enabling those with national or international school-level achievements to continue developing in their sport while pursuing higher education. He stated that discussions with the University Grants Commission had covered providing basic facilities for students competing internationally, and transport support where universities lack sports infrastructure. He described the proposal as timely and said necessary follow-up action would be taken. Debate: Private Members' Motion P.17/2024 - School and Higher Education Frameworks for Sportspersons Education Read →
7 May 2026 AI summary Dr. Madhura Senevirathna stated that the Government has no policy of increasing parallel classes in popular schools and asked for any specific instances to be submitted for review by structural committees. He said the policy focus is to strengthen peripheral secondary schools and improve local schooling rather than expand popular schools or increase class sizes. Oral Question 3 (840/2025): Dhammarathana Vidyalaya and Other Schools in Moratuwa Education Read →
7 May 2026 AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Madhura Senevirathna stated that class sizes should be based on educational criteria, noting that overcrowding persists in both secondary and primary schools. He said the Government aims to reduce class sizes below 35, but only gradually alongside education reforms, school rationalization, infrastructure improvements, and the recruitment of additional teachers. He clarified that no decision has been taken to raise secondary class sizes beyond 40 or to 45, and that limits will be enforced according to classroom capacity. Oral Question 3 (840/2025): Dhammarathana Vidyalaya and Other Schools in Moratuwa EducationInfrastructure Read →
7 May 2026 AI summary On behalf of the Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, the Deputy Minister provided enrolment figures for Dhammarathana Vidyalaya, Lakshapathiya Shikshadhana Vidyalaya, and Sunandopananda Primary School from 2023 to 2026, noting growth at Dhammarathana and declines at the other two schools. He stated that teaching and learning continue with required facilities in all three schools, despite Lakshapathiya having only 30 students in 2026. He attributed reduced demand at Lakshapathiya partly to its location and nearby alternative schools, and said the Primary Schools Development Project includes development of nearby Salina Vidyalaya in 2027, with possible accommodation of Lakshapathiya students there if necessary. Oral Question 3 (840/2025): Dhammarathana Vidyalaya and Other Schools in Moratuwa Education Read →
10 April 2026 AI summary On behalf of the Prime Minister and Minister, the Deputy Minister listed the postgraduate, degree, diploma, thematic and certificate courses conducted by the National Institute of Education, with admissions and durations tabled in the Library, and described their assessment methods under the SLOF and GPA frameworks. He acknowledged delays in several programmes, including MEd in Educational Management and BEd (Honours) cohorts, citing COVID-19, the economic crisis and academic approval processes, and noted that some delayed courses had been completed while two semester examinations remained pending. In response to supplementary questions, he said the NIE would urgently convene candidates and hold the pending examinations, and that course handbooks would be aligned to the Academic Affairs Board’s decision to use both formative and summative assessments under the national SLOF framework. Oral Questions: Multiple Questions in First Round (Q.2, Q.3, Q.4 and others) Education Read →
10 April 2026 AI summary Provided figures for non-academic positions across UGC universities, higher educational institutes, and other specified universities, with recruitment details tabled in annexes and placed in the Library. He explained that recruitment follows the UGC Institutional Manual 2023, relevant circulars, or institution-specific procedures, and said recent university-level recruitments had been conducted without political interference, with complaints channels available. He also stated that the Government is moving to register and regulate all higher education institutions and review curricula, including through discussions with the BOI, to ensure quality and credibility. Oral Question: Non-Academic Staff of State Universities (Q.25/2024) Education Read →
9 April 2026 AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Madhura Senevirathna outlined plans to address disparities in school sports facilities by developing 400-metre track-equipped grounds in three provincial schools and one national school per district, using criteria proposed by the Sports Ministry and implemented by the Education Ministry. He said the 17 existing sports schools are being reviewed and realigned to their original objectives, with measures including nutrition programmes, adjusted timetables, adequate coaching, and recruitment of Physical Education teachers. He also stated that the Education and Sports Ministries are exploring the development of at least one fully equipped sports school per district by the following year. Oral Questions and Answers EducationInfrastructure Read →
9 April 2026 AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Madhura Senevirathna said sports coaches have contributed to producing national and international athletes and that discussions have been held on their entry into the teacher service. He stated that graduate coaches would be accommodated in forthcoming limited competitive recruitments, while continuous professional development, joint training with the Sports and Education Ministries, overseas opportunities, and school-cluster assignments would be implemented. He also said a joint committee with the Sports Ministry would develop a programme to strengthen coaches’ professional specialisation and support schools without Physical Education teachers. Oral Questions and Answers EmploymentEducation Read →
9 April 2026 AI summary In response on behalf of the Prime Minister and Education Minister, the Deputy Minister stated that 3,888 school sports coaches were recruited in 2019, with specified educational, professional, and physical fitness qualifications. He outlined their duties, including sports training, support for physical education programmes, inter-house sports organization, and other school sports-related tasks assigned by school authorities. He added that 2,981 of those recruited are currently in service. Oral Questions and Answers Education Read →
19 March 2026 AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Madhura Senevirathna outlined two education policy tracks: digitizing about 6,200 secondary schools through fibre or broadband connections by year-end, and reorganizing schools using criteria such as catchment population, transport access, teacher deployment, and infrastructure capacity. He stated that Rs. 500 million supported 31 schools last year, while Rs. 1 billion is allocated this year for 169 schools, with future emphasis on primary schools. He also detailed allocations for Pirivena and special education, national school infrastructure, estate sector schools, and pending “Nearest School – The Best School” projects, arguing that infrastructure funding is being targeted through defined programmes. Oral Question: Schools in Monaragala District: Auditoriums (Q.1860/2026) EducationPublic FinanceInfrastructure Read →
19 March 2026 AI summary The Minister said the auditorium project was initiated under the “Nearest School – The Best School” programme in 2016, began substantive work in 2019, and was delayed by COVID-19 before Cabinet approval was renewed in 2023. He stated that Rs. 36 million was allocated in 2024 for essential construction, and that the Engineering Department has been consulted on securing and completing the building, surroundings, interior finishes, seating, and fittings, with Ministry funding planned for completion in 2027. Oral Question: Schools in Monaragala District: Auditoriums (Q.1860/2026) InfrastructurePublic Finance Read →
19 March 2026 AI summary In response to a question on school infrastructure in the Monaragala District, the Deputy Minister stated that the district has 11 National Schools and 280 Provincial Schools, with 10 school auditoriums established. He said construction of the Buttala Dutugemunu Central College auditorium began on 28 January 2019 with an allocation of Rs. 70.068 million, but was delayed due to the national economic crisis and priority being given to classroom needs. He added that interim works were undertaken because the incomplete structure posed a safety risk, and the remaining work is planned for completion in 2027. Oral Question: Schools in Monaragala District: Auditoriums (Q.1860/2026) Education Read →
6 March 2026 AI summary Accepted a petition from Mr. K.A.P. Perera of No. 33, Diyabubula, Madawala, Kengalla, for submission to Parliament. Petitions Parliamentary Procedure Read →
5 March 2026 AI summary The Deputy Minister tabled an answer on staffing and resource shortages at Kili/Mulankavil MV, stating that while teacher shortages have affected activities, recent O/L, A/L and SEQI data do not show a clear academic setback. He said the school has 22 academic vacancies and that proposals for non-academic cadres have been submitted following its conversion to a National School, with appointments to follow approval. He also stated that furniture will be provided in 2026, a building is expected to be completed that year, and teacher vacancies may be filled through ongoing 2026 recruitment and the 2027 intake of NIE diploma-holders. Oral Question: Kili/Mulankavil Maha Vidyalaya (Q.10/1831/2026) - Stand Down Education Read →
4 March 2026 AI summary The Minister stated that a circular on mid-stream admissions is being issued to allow entry for students with special talents. He confirmed that sports schools will continue, with capacity assessments conducted jointly with the Ministry of Sports to ensure selected schools have nutrition programmes, coaches, and development capability, and said selections will follow evidence-based procedures. Oral Question: Special Sports Schools Development (Q.1468/2025) Education Read →
4 March 2026 AI summary The Minister said the Ministry of Sports is reassessing sports schools to decide which should continue and how talented students can be placed in suitable institutions, noting the need for nutrition, qualified coaches, and timetable adjustments. He stated that listed schools will proceed under the current year’s allocation, while future plans include establishing comprehensive sports schools in each province, including facilities for swimming and other sports. He also referred to education reforms to strengthen school coaching and resources, and said circular provisions allow mid-stream admissions for students with national-level potential. Oral Question: Special Sports Schools Development (Q.1468/2025) EducationEmploymentInfrastructure Read →