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

21 January 2026 AI summary On behalf of the Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, the answer stated that Rs. 1,757.38 million had been spent on “Nearest School—the Best School” projects in the Matara District, with 365 projects completed and 8 ongoing, expected to finish in the first quarter of 2026. It also explained that delays relating to official quarters were due to an FR 104 inquiry into stolen items, and that recoveries from the contractor’s retention and rectification of defects would be carried out in line with the inquiry recommendations, with the buildings planned for use in 2026. Second Round of Oral Questions and Standing Order clarification EducationPublic Finance Read →
21 January 2026 AI summary On behalf of the Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, Dr. Madhura Senevirathna requested two weeks to provide an answer. The question was ordered to stand down. Second Round of Oral Questions and Standing Order clarification Parliamentary Procedure Read →
21 January 2026 AI summary The Deputy Minister of Education and Higher Education begins by referring to the Prime Minister and Minister of Education, but the provided excerpt does not include the substance of the speech. No specific policy position, proposal, question, or legislative issue can be identified from the available text. Procedural matters - Supplementary questions and Standing Orders dispute Education Read →
20 January 2026 AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Madhura Senevirathna said the Ministry of Education has intervened in similar school-related complaints, including past incidents and cases in the Southern Province and Matara District. He emphasized that schools must comply with regulatory responsibilities, particularly admissions circulars, and stated that the Ministry will intervene directly where such procedures are not followed. Oral Question: Non-Government Schools in Elpitiya Education Zone (Q.61/2026) Education Read →
20 January 2026 AI summary Approved non-grant private schools are required to comply with Ministry circulars and guidelines, and complaints should be made to the relevant Zonal Education Office or the Approved Private Schools Branch. The Minister stated that the Ministry has undertaken inspections and issued directions on administration, examinations and admissions, and is strengthening oversight, including on examination compliance and teacher recruitment, while acting on substantiated complaints to protect students’ rights. Oral Question: Non-Government Schools in Elpitiya Education Zone (Q.61/2026) Education Read →
20 January 2026 AI summary On behalf of the Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, details were provided on two approved non-grant private schools in the relevant zone: K.S.F. Vidyalaya, Moragoda, and Anura Vidyalaya, Matara (Maligathenna Branch). The response set out their establishment dates, management and ownership details, noting that Anura Vidyalaya has only preliminary approval, and identified the Ministry, Southern Province Department of Education and Elpitiya Zonal Education Office as the relevant authorities. It also stated that repeated public complaints had been received about K.S.F. Vidyalaya, leading to ministry instructions and an inspection on 30 September 2025, during which administrative directions were issued and three students were enabled to apply for the 2025 G.C.E. Ordinary Level examination. Oral Question: Non-Government Schools in Elpitiya Education Zone (Q.61/2026) Education Read →
20 January 2026 AI summary The Deputy Minister said discussions had been held with relevant officers regarding salary anomalies in the Educational Administrative Service, which has five grades. He stated that, in coordination with the National Salaries and Cadre Commission, specific pay scales for all five grades would be presented by 2027 as part of a system-wide approach to prevent piecemeal disparities. Oral Question: Sri Lanka Educational Administrative Service Officers (Q.13/2026) EducationPublic Finance Read →
20 January 2026 AI summary Stated that he could not provide a date, without offering further details or commitments. Oral Question: Sri Lanka Educational Administrative Service Officers (Q.13/2026) Education Read →
20 January 2026 AI summary Recruitments in the education sector were carried out twice in the previous year, and the Ministry plans to proceed this year with placements at zonal offices and schools. No final decision has been made on further recruitments, but the planned placements are expected to support administrative functions to some extent. Oral Question: Sri Lanka Educational Administrative Service Officers (Q.13/2026) EmploymentEducation Read →
20 January 2026 AI summary On behalf of the Prime Minister and Education Minister, the Deputy Minister stated that salary increments are currently suspended for 32 officers of the Sri Lanka Educational Administrative Service and 53 officers of the Sri Lanka Principals’ Service. He said increments are released after required performance reports, efficiency bar examinations, or disciplinary and inquiry processes are completed, and that some delay occurs due to processing through zonal and provincial offices. He added that the Ministry intervenes where delays are reported and has instructed relevant sections to conclude pending disciplinary and inquiry matters promptly, with detailed annexes placed in the Library. Oral Question: Sri Lanka Educational Administrative Service Officers (Q.13/2026) Public FinanceEducation Read →
8 January 2026 AI summary The Deputy Minister of Education and Higher Education requested time until the next sitting day to provide a clear and precise response to the matter raised. Standing Order 27(2) Questions and Ministerial Statements Parliamentary Procedure Read →
8 January 2026 AI summary Hostel shortages in universities were acknowledged, with the Minister noting that 60–65 per cent of students currently receive hostel accommodation. He stated that a plan to build 55 hostels is underway, allocation is based on programme needs, and the UGC is preparing a hostel policy following initial discussions. He said the specific concern raised would be referred to the UGC within that policy framework. Oral Questions to Ministers (Q.1664/2025 through Q.1719/2025) Education Read →
8 January 2026 AI summary The matter had been discussed during pre-Budget consultations. He said it could be taken up with the UGC Management Committee for further discussion and action in line with the proposal. Oral Questions to Ministers (Q.1664/2025 through Q.1719/2025) Education Read →
8 January 2026 AI summary The Deputy Minister, responding on behalf of the Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, provided admission figures for UGC universities and related institutions for 2023/2024 and 2024/2025, noting that the 2025 admissions process is still ongoing. He stated that children of public servants are not separately identified at the university application stage, but gave Mahapola, bursary and hostel data, including 1,863 Mahapola selections from 5,232 public-servant children applicants in 2023/2024 and ongoing selections for 2024/2025. He outlined current hostel capacity, an estimated shortfall of about 16,000 places, and a 2026–2030 plan to construct 55 hostels with Rs. 1,500 million allocated in 2026, while also detailing institution-specific scholarship and accommodation arrangements. Oral Questions to Ministers (Q.1664/2025 through Q.1719/2025) Education Read →
27 November 2025 AI summary On behalf of the Prime Minister and the Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, a request was made for two weeks’ time to answer the question. The Question was ordered to stand down. Oral Question: Question No. 1-207/2024-(1) - Second Round Parliamentary Procedure Read →
25 November 2025 AI summary Deputy Minister Madhura Senevirathna outlined 2026 Budget allocations for education and higher education, including LKR 11.5 billion for research and development, funding to regulate non-state higher education, and measures to standardize open, distance, and external degree programmes. He cited increased support for university digitalization, student loans, recruitment of academic and non-academic staff, higher allowances in advanced technological institutes, and increased capital expenditure. He also detailed allocations for estate schools, including buildings, teachers’ quarters, Indian-assisted upgrades, supplies for small schools, and 308 teachers through the Sri Pada College of Education, stating that many commitments in the Government’s education policy chapter had been implemented. Debate: Committee Stage on Appropriation Bill 2026 - Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education (Fifteenth Allotted Day) Education Read →
25 November 2025 AI summary Deputy Minister Madhura Senevirathna said the 2026 Budget builds on economic stabilization and shifts higher education toward development and international standards. He detailed 2025 allocations and 2026 plans for university faculties, medical faculties, libraries, laboratories, canteens, medical centres, sports facilities, water systems and internet-linked infrastructure, including new funding for Moratuwa, Sri Jayewardenepura, Uva Wellassa, Eastern, Peradeniya and Vavuniya universities. He identified hostel shortages as a major issue and said Rs. 1.5 billion would be allocated in 2026 for 55 hostels to accommodate 16,000–18,000 additional students, while also noting increases to Mahapola and bursary support and plans to staff university medical centres through the health service. Debate: Committee Stage on Appropriation Bill 2026 - Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education (Fifteenth Allotted Day) Education Read →
13 November 2025 AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Madhura Senevirathna rejected claims that the Norwood Divisional Secretariat would be moved to Hatton, stating that government policy is to bring services closer to villages. He argued that the 2026 Budget builds on 2025 stabilization measures after the economic crisis, citing fiscal discipline, anti-corruption efforts, inflation control, improved revenue, debt restructuring, reserve growth, tourism recovery, welfare support, and reduced VAT. He outlined a forward agenda based on inclusive growth, export diversification, debt sustainability, a production economy, rural poverty eradication, and digitalization, with support for SMEs, youth and women entrepreneurs, expanded education assistance, international university links, and a Rs. 21 billion allocation for research and development. Debate: Appropriation Bill 2026 - Second Reading (Fifth Allotted Day) EducationPublic FinanceAgriculture Read →
10 November 2025 AI summary On behalf of the Prime Minister and the Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, the Deputy Minister requested two weeks to provide an answer to the question raised. The question was ordered to stand down. Oral Questions – Second Round: Kalawewa Railway Station and I-Road Project in Matara District (Q.1221/2025 and Q.1304/2025) Parliamentary Procedure Read →
9 October 2025 AI summary The Deputy Minister tabled a written answer detailing provision for special and inclusive education, including 27 government-assisted special schools, 879 schools with special education units, teacher numbers, and vacancies of 49 in special schools and 325 in special education units. He stated that circulars and ministry letters have instructed authorities to reassign teachers appointed for special education but deployed elsewhere, and that training is conducted through the NIE, Open University, Ministry, provincial departments and zonal offices. The response also outlined recent circulars, guidelines, curriculum adaptation, Universal Design for Learning measures, infrastructure improvements, and ongoing workshops aimed at strengthening inclusive education. Oral Question 4: Special Schools and Standing Order 27(2) Questions Education Read →