Sitting of Tuesday, 25 November 2025
Source: Hansard PDF (parliament.lk) ↗ ·No. 22979 ·English daily/uncorrected Hansard
Order of business
Speeches load per item. Summaries shown here are AI-generated and labelled; verbatim text is on each speech page.
- 1 Papers Papers: Annual Report of Chilaw Plantation Company 2022 1 speeches
- 2 Oral question Oral Question: Employees' Provident Fund Information Access (Q.1/2025) 7 speeches
- 3 Oral question Oral Question: National Youth Services Council Training Centres in Tamil Medium (Q.2/2025) 6 speeches
- 4 Oral question Oral Question: Yatiyantota Garagoda Bridge Renovation (Q.3/2025) 6 speeches
- 5 Oral question Oral Question: Hospitals in Ratnapura District 2 speeches
- 6 Oral question Oral Question: Palmyrah Toddy Waste and Thikkam Distillery 2 speeches
- 7 Procedural Procedural: Privilege Matter and Standing Orders Discussion 37 speeches
- 8 Oral question Question by Private Notice: Standardization of Preschool Education and Personal Explanation 17 speeches
- 9 Debate Debate: Committee Stage on Appropriation Bill 2026 - Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education (Fifteenth Allotted Day) 124 speeches
- The Hon. Deputy Speaker procedural
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. (Mrs.) Rohini Kumari Wijerathna SJB
AI summary Hon. Rohini Kumari Wijerathna moved the customary Rs. 10 reduction to the relevant expenditure heads and criticised the Government for failing to meet its longstanding “6 percent of GDP for education” pledge, noting that allocations remain around 2 percent and that capital expenditure in 2025 has been poorly utilized. She argued that the current education reform process lacks clear authorship, targets, funding clarity, and adequate focus on equity, social justice, free education, nutrition and health safeguards. She asked the Minister to state which earlier reform committee recommendations have been incorporated and warned against proceeding without a scientific process, comparing the approach to the former Government’s organic farming policy.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education JJB
AI summary The Prime Minister said education reform must be driven by coherent policy, strong institutions, adequate funding, and evidence-based planning, noting that past failures in these areas had undermined implementation despite the continued service of teachers, principals and officials. She outlined the Ministry’s four priorities—equity, quality, governance and evidence—and tabled a committee report on Gampaha Wickramarachchi University of Indigenous Medicine as an example of institutional decision-making failures affecting quality and students’ rights. She stated that the 2026 education allocation of Rs. 704,308 million, or 2.04 percent of GDP, is the highest to date, while rejecting claims that the Government promised 6 percent of GDP in its first year, and said expenditure progress for 2025 had reached 69 percent including committed work. She also said the Ministry aims to improve responsiveness, reduce disparities including for children with disabilities, and operationalize curriculum reforms from 2026 with clearer targets and monitoring.
- The Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran ITAK
AI summary Hon. Thurairasa Ravikaran welcomed proposed education reforms and allowances in the 2026 Budget, but questioned whether they would address persistent inequities in the North and East, particularly in Vanni. He raised concerns over the lack of preschool standardization, teacher shortages in Northern primary education, weak early literacy and numeracy outcomes, incomplete school buildings, and severe shortages or breakdowns of ICT, laboratory and WASH facilities. He asked whether the Budget would fund practical measures such as trained preschool teachers, repairs and completion of facilities, functioning computers and internet access for all schools, and adequate sanitation, arguing that current resource constraints undermine both existing curricula and planned reforms.
- The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF
AI summary Chamara Sampath Dasanayake urged the Prime Minister and Education Ministry to address conduct within the Ministry, consult more widely on education reforms, and respond to teacher union opposition. He called for the promised absorption of 16,000 Development Officers, action on disparities between leading and marginalized schools, resolution of delayed admissions to the Ruhuna Allied Health Faculty, and investigations into alleged A/L Economics paper leaks and complaints against specific principals. He also raised unresolved salary and status issues affecting acting principals, anomalies in teachers’ and principals’ salaries, pension disparities, and the need to use education to uplift disadvantaged provinces such as Uva.
- The Hon. Sugath Wasantha de Silva JJB
AI summary Hon. Sugath Wasantha de Silva emphasized the importance of inclusive education for students with special needs within the broader education system. He argued that education should transmit knowledge, develop skills, and shape attitudes for all learners, and highlighted the need for focused attention and support for special-needs students during the Committee Stage debate on the Ministry.
Education Full speech → - The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB
AI summary Sajith Premadasa criticised the Government’s handling of education reforms, arguing that changes are being introduced without a coherent plan and that issues across pre-school, school, university and vocational sectors remain unresolved. He questioned delays in implementing the remaining “Subodhini” salary proposals, addressing teacher, principal, teacher educator, teacher advisor, non-academic and university staff salary anomalies, and filling shortages including principals, sports coaches and school support staff. He also demanded implementation of a court settlement for 16,600 Development Officers serving as trainee teachers and accused the Government of failing to honour manifesto pledges to provide 35,000 graduate jobs, including teaching and public-sector posts.
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. Sajith Premadasa SJB
AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa argued that education reforms should preserve the teaching of history and national heritage while prioritizing English proficiency in the public education system. He said past language-based political decisions had disadvantaged millions of children and proposed that the new Constitution’s Fundamental Rights chapter include broad guarantees such as free education, free health, social welfare, economic sectors, and good governance. He called for modernization of free education in line with global labour market needs, expanded opportunities for self-education through libraries, and drew on India’s IIT and IIM model as an example for building a more educated middle class.
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. Hesha Withanage Ankumbura Arachchi SJB
AI summary Hon. Hesha Withanage Ankumbura Arachchi said education reforms were necessary but should be clear, evidence-based, socially sensitive, and suitable for children in rural and disadvantaged areas, citing reversals on the Grade 5 Scholarship Examination, debates on History, longer school hours, and uncertainty over pre-school reforms. He urged the Government to clarify its reform programme and honour campaign commitments, particularly removing VAT on school supplies and addressing tuition culture. He also raised concerns over unemployed graduates, Development Officers teaching in schools without regularization, and unresolved salary anomalies among education and teacher educator administrative officers.
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe - Deputy Minister of Labour JJB
AI summary The Deputy Minister defended the 2026 education allocation, stating it is the highest recent share of GDP at 2.04 per cent and has risen from Rs. 619 billion to Rs. 704 billion, with a commitment to increase it further in 2027. He outlined recruitment measures, including appointments to the Education Administrative Service and Teacher Educators’ Service, planned teacher and principal recruitments, and forthcoming gazettes to fill remaining vacancies. He addressed graduate teacher recruitment litigation, stating that court cases—not the Government—delayed the exam, and said two exams will be held next year for Development Officers and other graduates. He also said reforms are planned on principals’ recruitment and salary issues, and noted allowance increases for College of Education students, teachers in difficult areas, principals, and public-sector festival advances.
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe JJB
AI summary Progression rules under the 1994 Constitution were cited as 75 per cent by competitive examination and 25 per cent by competency assessment, and the “Subodhini” report was tabled for reference on qualifications and career pathways. Mahinda Jayasinghe said a sub-committee and a Ministry Expert Committee report are being used to establish an Education Council to professionalize teaching, set career levels, standardization, quality assurance and accreditation, and address salary anomalies through Cabinet decisions and legislation next year. He also acknowledged issues faced by teachers and principals, including administrative burdens and hardship allowances, and said discussions are underway on distance-based difficult area allowances.
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) V.S. Radhakrishnan SJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) V.S. Radhakrishnan argued that the Malaiyaha/plantation community has faced a historic education deficit because free education did not effectively reach estates until decades after independence. He requested special measures for the 864 plantation schools, including upgrading A/L schools, improving infrastructure, continuing programmes such as “Nearest School the Best School,” and appointing science, mathematics, and teaching assistant staff to address severe teacher shortages. He cited past foreign and budgetary allocations for plantation education, asked the Minister to resolve court-related delays to recruiting 3,000 teacher assistants, and sought clarification on whether plantation schools with low enrolment are to be closed.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya stated that no schools have been selected for closure, but a study of schools with fewer than 50 students has identified some for merging and others for development. She said a pilot programme is being implemented this year, with the number of mergers to be increased next year based on its outcomes.
Education Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) V.S. Radhakrishnan SJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) V.S. Radhakrishnan urged that plantation-area schools not be closed, arguing that long travel distances would increase dropouts and push children back into estate work. He cited dropout figures in Central, Uva and Sabaragamuwa Provinces, linked them to poverty and school-related costs, and warned that literacy rates could decline if the issue is not addressed. He recorded appreciation for past contributors to plantation education, noted selected education initiatives including Bambalapitiya Hindu College and a Rs. 1.5 million loan scheme, and called for cross-party cooperation while recognizing recent achievements by plantation youth.
Education Full speech → - The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) (Ms.) Kaushalya Ariyarathne - Deputy Minister of Mass Media JJB
AI summary Deputy Minister Kaushalya Ariyarathne outlined Budget allocations for education under the theme “Quality, Equity and Excellence in Education,” highlighting Rs. 704 billion for the sector and planned expansion of teacher deployment and training. She focused on National Colleges of Education, noting the operationalization of the Korean-supported Kuliyapitiya facility, increased trainee admissions and allowances, curriculum revision, trainer recruitment, and higher allocations for infrastructure. She also cited funding for in-service teacher training, education digitalization, and measures to expedite examination results and scheduling. She called for stakeholder support for education reforms aimed at addressing inequality, learning outcomes, workforce readiness, and youth delays.
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) (Ms.) Kaushalya Ariyarathne JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) (Ms.) Kaushalya Ariyarathne said education reforms would be prioritized through continued dialogue and debate. She emphasized reducing teachers’ burdens through supportive changes identified in training and linked these efforts to improving children’s education and national development.
Education Full speech → - The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary Hon. Chanaka Madugoda was called to speak and was allocated 10 minutes by the Hon. Deputy Chairperson at 1.00 p.m.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Chanaka Madugoda SLPP
AI summary Chanaka Madugoda acknowledged past and current welfare measures in education, including textbooks, uniforms, scholarships, meals and the Rs. 6,000 allowance for low-income students, but argued that the Budget does not adequately invest in skills-based education or early childhood development. He questioned the lack of progress on pledges to establish early childhood centres and quality primary schools within specified distances, and suggested reviving cluster school models and improving preschool teacher training and remuneration. He also raised concerns over limited progress on the National Education Plan despite expenditure, the absence of a clear commitment to allocating 6% of GDP to education, and the failure to remove VAT from school supplies or address high sports equipment costs. He requested a more accurate mechanism for identifying low-income students so that assistance reaches those most in need.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary The Deputy Chairperson informed the Member that their allotted speaking time had expired.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Chanaka Madugoda SLPP
AI summary Chanaka Madugoda raised an urgent concern about the ongoing GCE Advanced Level Economics examination, alleging that a significant number of multiple-choice and essay questions matched material from a paid tuition class. He urged the Government, Department of Examinations, Criminal Investigation Department, and relevant agencies to investigate the matter and safeguard the integrity of the A/L examination and students’ futures.
Education Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary The Deputy Chairperson called Hon. (Dr.) Madhura Senevirathna, Deputy Minister of Education and Higher Education, to speak and informed him that he had 13 minutes.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Madhura Senevirathna - Deputy Minister of Education and Higher Education JJB
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.
Education Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary The Deputy Chairperson informs the Minister that an additional two minutes have been granted, bringing the Minister’s remaining speaking time to four minutes.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Madhura Senevirathna - Deputy Minister of Education and Higher Education JJB
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.
Education Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary The Deputy Chairperson called Hon. Kins Nelson to speak and allotted him 15 minutes.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Kins Nelson SJB
AI summary Kins Nelson urged the Government to fulfil earlier commitments to increase education funding and questioned whether the 2026 Budget provides enough resources to reopen closed schools, fill principal and teacher vacancies, and address student dropouts. He highlighted severe shortages and infrastructure gaps nationally and in Polonnaruwa, including vacancies, lack of water, sanitation, laboratories, computer facilities, playgrounds, and teacher housing, and proposed funding to repair or build quarters to retain teachers. He also called for addressing staffing shortages, hostel deficiencies, pay anomalies and promotion delays in National Colleges of Education, and requested that graduate recruitment be used to fill teacher vacancies. He further asked for increased support for pre-school teachers, proposing their allowance be raised from Rs. 2,500 to at least Rs. 6,000 per month.
Education Full speech → - The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary Hon. Gnanamuththu Srineshan was recognized by the Deputy Chairperson and allotted seven minutes to speak. No substantive remarks or policy issues were raised in this excerpt.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Gnanamuththu Srineshan ITAK
AI summary Hon. Gnanamuththu Srineshan urged the Education Ministry to strengthen pre-school education by standardizing provision and improving poorly paid teachers’ conditions, and called for vocational skills to be integrated into schooling so students leave with employable abilities. He highlighted shortages of science, mathematics and ICT teachers in rural and hardship-area schools, requesting equitable resource allocation compared with urban National Schools. He also sought upgrades to the Manchanthoduvai Technical College to offer NVQ 5 and 6 programmes, land for the expansion of Meelad Tamil School in Dehiwala, and reconstruction support for a released school site and associated housing in Murakkettanchenei.
- The Hon. Deputy Chairperson
AI summary The Deputy Chairperson called on Hon. (Mrs.) Samanmali Gunasingha to speak and informed her that she had 10 minutes. The intervention was procedural, marking the commencement of her allotted speaking time.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Mrs.) Samanmali Gunasingha JJB
AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) Samanmali Gunasingha said funds from her 2025 decentralized allocation had supported the Dehiwala Muslim school and that temporary and permanent measures were being pursued to address its capacity issues. She outlined Government initiatives in early childhood education, including a national curriculum framework, a forthcoming preschool policy framework, a proposed regulatory authority and development unit, minimum qualifications and training for preschool staff, increased teacher allowances, nutrition support, and capacity-building allocations. She stated that education spending had risen to about 2.4 per cent of GDP and that physical and human resources would be managed through zonal structures with improvements to facilities and smart classrooms. She also said a new transparent circular had been introduced for Grade 2–11 admissions in 2025, replacing previous ad hoc practices, and asserted that no political requests had been made for admissions that year.
Education Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen SJB
AI summary Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen raised the shortage of space and classrooms at the 73-year-old Dehiwala Meelad Tamil School, noting that around 500 students attend, some study outdoors, and many applications remain pending. He said earlier plans to use the unused Sumangala school were obstructed, and urged the relevant area representative to allocate one of four alternative sites identified by education officials. He proposed retaining the current premises as a primary school and establishing facilities for Grades 6 and above elsewhere, with community and business funding for construction, to address overcrowding and avoid further tensions.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Mrs.) Samanmali Gunasingha JJB
AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) Samanmali Gunasingha stated that she is committed to pursuing a solution to the issue concerning a school in her area. She noted that she has visited the school several times and feels a particular responsibility because the affected students are from her constituency.
Education Full speech → - The Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen SJB
AI summary Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen supported education reforms aimed at improving graduate employability and reducing reliance on government jobs, while urging consultation with teacher unions. He requested action on a separate education zone for Kuchchaveli, completion of stalled school buildings including Vavuniya Muslim National School, and urgent use of Northern Provincial allocations before funds lapse. He highlighted teacher shortages in war-affected and remote districts, proposing district-based teacher deployment and coordinated transport schemes for teachers and students. He also asked for regulation of Colombo school van services and strict controls on school-based parental fund collections to reduce burdens on families.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Waruna Liyanage SJB
AI summary Hon. Waruna Liyanage raised education and vocational training issues affecting Ratnapura and plantation communities, including concerns over closing schools with fewer than 50 students where transport access is limited despite proposed free buses. He requested measures to protect Grade 1 admissions for families without land deeds due to LRC disputes, light regulation of international schools, fee waivers for VTA students in low-income districts, Cabinet approval to recruit 53 over-age VTA candidates affected by delays, and higher NAITA trainee allowances. He also called for an A/L Tamil-medium stream in Ratnapura and a Tamil administrative structure with a Tamil Director in Sabaragamuwa.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Upali Pannilage - Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment JJB
AI summary Hon. Upali Pannilage said the Government’s education policy treats education as a social welfare investment and prioritizes equitable access, with the 2026 Budget allocating about Rs. 708 billion, the highest allocation to date, though the 6 per cent of GDP target would be reached progressively. He outlined measures on higher education quality, international scholarships, hostel development, research funding, increased Mahapola and bursary payments, expanded access and allowances for students with disabilities, and school support for low-income children. He also noted ongoing recruitment to fill university academic vacancies and said broader reforms aim to develop human capital and prepare society for the 21st century.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Kabir Hashim SJB
AI summary Hon. Kabir Hashim said education and higher education are central to national development and social discipline, noting that the Education Ministry has historically been difficult to manage. He argued that Sri Lanka’s cultural, religious and educational foundations helped limit the effects of recent political upheavals, but warned of rising indiscipline among school and university students, including challenges to teachers and principals, unrest in schools, defiance of university directives, and hazing. He urged that these trends be treated as serious social challenges requiring attention.
- Hon. Kabir Hashim SJB
AI summary Kabir Hashim highlighted persistent problems in education and higher education, warning that politically difficult decisions could have national consequences if delayed. He asked why the Government is not using the 2022 National Education Commission report, prepared under President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, as a neutral framework for national education policy and reforms.
Education Full speech → - Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya stated that ongoing curriculum work is based on the 2022 charter submitted by the National Education Commission. She said the Government is proceeding by building on that framework while incorporating its own proposals.
Education Full speech → - Hon. Kabir Hashim SJB
AI summary Hon. Kabir Hashim questioned why the Government, despite promises to break “mafias” and monopolies, has not addressed or regulated the tuition industry, which he said earns about Rs. 160 billion annually and places heavy financial pressure on poor parents and children. He asked whether the Government would introduce regulations, tax enforcement, or reforms to protect free education, and criticized the absence of such measures in two Budgets. He cited provincial circulars restricting teachers from conducting tuition, including one allegedly annulled by a State Minister, as evidence of inconsistent policy and urged action against the sector’s influence.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- Hon. Kabir Hashim SJB
AI summary Hon. Kabir Hashim cited a British Council survey indicating that Sri Lanka is among the highest sources of foreign students to the UK, ranking second in the referenced list despite its small population compared with China. He argued that this reflects the consequences of wrong policy decisions in Sri Lanka.
- Hon. Kabir Hashim SJB
AI summary Kabir Hashim raised concerns about alleged irregularities in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology at the University of Batticaloa, including awarding marks without proper examinations, lack of regulation, malpractice, and student harassment. He noted that Prof. Yuvaraj Thangarajah had submitted a letter to the Prime Minister on the matter and requested that an inquiry be conducted.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- Hon. Mano Ganesan SJB
AI summary Mano Ganesan addressed the Prime Minister in her capacity as Minister of Education, welcoming the focus on education reforms but asking where the reform programme specifically addresses national reconciliation. He also asked what attention is being given to underprivileged groups, noting that he had raised both issues in the relevant Subcommittee.
- Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya said the education reforms aim to identify and address inequalities so that all children can access quality education without discrimination. Responding to Hon. Mano Ganesan, she stated that reconciliation-related themes would be incorporated into the core curriculum through transversal skills modules intended to provide common civic knowledge and experiences for all students.
- Hon. Mano Ganesan SJB
AI summary Hon. Mano Ganesan urged the Government to reform the school system to promote national reconciliation by moving away from segregated religious and ethnic schooling and ensuring Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim children study together. He asked the Prime Minister and Education Minister to examine the reduction of Tamil-medium classes in Colombo national schools such as Royal, D. S. Senanayake and Isipathana, and to allocate classes proportionately given Colombo’s Tamil-speaking population. He also called for affirmative attention to plantation and other marginalized schools, noting their late integration into the national education system and the impact of non-functioning Provincial Councils on education administration. He proposed appointing language-appropriate Additional Directors at provincial and zonal levels, including Tamil-speaking education officers in areas such as Nuwara Eliya, to address student, teacher and administrative issues in the relevant medium.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- Hon. Anura Karunathilaka - Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation JJB
AI summary Hon. Anura Karunathilaka clarified that the former North Colombo Private Medical College was integrated into the state university system as the Ragama Medical Faculty, before addressing education sector reforms and Budget support for 2026. He argued that Sri Lanka’s education system is exam-centred, unevenly resourced, insufficiently aligned with employability, innovation and lifelong learning, and constrained by limited access to advanced secondary education, STEM facilities and university entry. He said the tuition problem cannot be solved by law alone, and that reforms must combine curriculum change with teacher development, professionalization, infrastructure, administration, assessment reform and public awareness. He outlined proposed changes for Grades 6–11, including entrepreneurship and financial literacy, transversal skills, Grade 9 proficiency assessments, and advanced pathway modules in senior secondary education.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- Hon. M.S. Abthul Wazeeth SLMC
AI summary Hon. M.S. Abthul Wazeeth urged expanded higher education access in Pottuvil, including an Open University regional study centre and locating the South Eastern University’s Hospitality and Tourism Management Faculty there to support tourism-linked education around Arugam Bay. He called for a separate Pottuvil Zonal Education Office, arguing that current ethnic and geographic division of nearby schools among three zones creates long travel distances and weakens supervision and services. He also requested facilities and staffing support for Pottuvil Central College, including a teachers’ hostel, modern auditorium, non-academic staff, and permanent security personnel.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam ACTC
AI summary Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam urged urgent action to fill all 329 non-academic staff vacancies at the University of Jaffna and revise its outdated cadre, noting expanded faculties and reliance on costly private services. He called for education to be prioritized through higher budget allocations and teacher salary revisions in line with the Subodhini Commission, citing specific shortfalls in proposed pay increases. He also questioned whether education reforms opposed under the previous Government were now being pursued to secure ADB funding without stakeholder consultation. He requested reconsideration of extended school hours or provision of food, revision of criteria for difficult schools in the North and East, and an increase in inadequate difficult-area teacher allowances.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- Hon. Nalin Hewage - Deputy Minister of Vocational Education JJB
AI summary Deputy Minister Nalin Hewage argued that the Government has prioritised education in the 2026 Budget despite inheriting longstanding problems such as teacher shortages, inadequate facilities, and closed schools. He cited official figures to state that education allocations have risen from Rs. 534 billion in 2024 to Rs. 704 billion in 2026, and that education spending as a share of GDP is being increased gradually towards the stated 6% target. He rejected Opposition criticism by comparing past governments’ lower GDP allocations and underutilisation of capital funds, asserting that current policy is focused on improving human capital as a basis for economic development.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- Hon. Dilith Jayaweera SB
AI summary Hon. Dilith Jayaweera urged the Education Ministry to reconsider circulars that prevent private individuals and alumni from entering schools to support development projects, citing his own contributions to schools in Galle and other areas. He said restrictions have forced donations, such as musical instruments, to be handed over through Sunday schools instead of schools, and argued that such social service should be facilitated. He affirmed support for free education and called for a forward-looking roadmap in the Ministry’s estimates and reforms rather than focusing on past shortcomings.
Education Full speech → - Hon. Dilith Jayaweera SB
AI summary Hon. Dilith Jayaweera criticized the Government’s proposed education reforms, arguing that they lack detailed documentation, prior study, implementation clarity, and alignment with Sri Lanka’s cultural and historical context. He said the reforms do not address the aspirations of younger generations for entrepreneurship, creativity, independence, and self-directed learning, and risk producing compliance-oriented students instead. He called for a fair dialogue on genuine education reform, focusing on fixing existing deficiencies in schools and universities rather than adopting what he described as unsuitable foreign models.
Education Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. K. Kader Masthan SLLP
AI summary Commending the 2026 Budget allocation for education and planned reforms, he highlighted acute teacher shortages in Mullaitivu, Mannar and Vavuniya and asked for clarity on appointments through a district quota system. He urged the resumption or completion of suspended school building projects under the TFR and Resettlement Unit, requested that the increased Rs. 10,000 Mahapola allowance be extended to children of public servants, and sought an Administrative Service Grade principal for Siyambalagaskotuwa Madina National School. He also raised concerns that extended school hours under proposed reforms could adversely affect disadvantaged and Muslim students, calling for further consultation before implementation.
Education Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Rajeevan Jeyachandramoorthy JJB
AI summary Rajeevan Jeyachandramoorthy supported the Committee Stage debate on the Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, praising the Minister’s reform agenda and increased education allocations, including funding for skills development. He argued that education reform must address discipline, drug use among students, demographic changes affecting Grade 1 admissions, and declining language and reading proficiency, especially in the North, East and estate sectors. He called for stronger planning, improved curriculum implementation, and additional transport and facilities for war-affected and economically disadvantaged regions to ensure equal access to education.
Education Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. M.L.A.M. Hizbullah SLMC
AI summary M.L.A.M. Hizbullah supported the Education Ministry’s Votes while calling for faster curriculum reform, expanded digital learning, improved teacher training and recruitment, and better school infrastructure, particularly in rural, estate and Eastern Province schools. He urged stronger vocational, university and industry-linked education, including support for Technical Colleges, NVQ pathways, research, innovation and international partnerships. He requested policies to expand and regulate non-State universities through incentives, quality assurance, scholarships and loan support, and asked for concessions for children of Sri Lankan expatriates who face foreign-student fees at State universities. He also sought the Prime Minister’s intervention to address the lack of classrooms and facilities at Meelad Muslim Vidyalaya, Dehiwala, ahead of Grade 1 admissions.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Mayilvaganam Jegatheeswaran JJB
AI summary Hon. Mayilvaganam Jegatheeswaran supported the Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education allocations in Budget 2026, highlighting increased national funding and specific provisions for Vavuniya University, technical colleges, the Vavuniya National College of Education, special needs students, principals, school materials and Mahapola scholarships. He welcomed the introduction of vocational education from Grade 9 to address poor outcomes for students leaving school after 13 years. He urged district-based teacher recruitment, locally appropriate appointments and a revised transfer policy for Northern teachers, including conditional inter-district transfers and removal of restrictions on transfers for supernumerary principals.
- The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe – Deputy Minister
AI summary Mahinda Jayasinghe corrected a statement made by Kabir Hashim regarding his intervention in a Western Provincial Council education matter. He said the Provincial Education Secretary had issued a letter barring teachers from conducting tuition classes for their own students, but he intervened because no law prohibits such tutoring and requested that the letter be withdrawn.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam ITAK
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam called for the continuation of free education while also establishing a robust mechanism to ensure standards in private and international schools. He urged equitable resource allocation, increased support for student nutrition, health and hygiene, and action to address high dropout rates and shortages affecting low-income and differently-abled students. He welcomed several Budget allocations, including for Vavuniya University facilities and education allowances, but requested additional funding for solid waste and sewage management at Vavuniya University. He also highlighted severe shortages of principals and teachers, especially in Tamil, Sinhala, English and mathematics, in Vavuniya, Mullaitivu, Mannar and the wider Vanni District, and asked that these vacancies and damaged college infrastructure be addressed urgently.
Education Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Najith Indika JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Najith Indika argued that Sri Lanka’s education policy shifted after 1977 away from welfare and access, and said the Government is now progressively increasing education investment toward the 6 per cent of GDP principle. He cited increased capital allocations for education, including funds to complete medical faculty buildings at Sabaragamuwa, Moratuwa, Uva Wellassa, Eastern and North Western universities. He also highlighted welfare measures such as school supply vouchers, transport support, midday meals, Grade 5 bursaries, and increased Mahapola allowances, and urged the Opposition to engage constructively rather than challenge such measures through litigation or commissions.
- The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB
AI summary Hon. Ajith P. Perera raised concerns about the rapid expansion of international schools and the absence of clear government policy, standards, or oversight for a sector now educating many children from diverse economic backgrounds. He urged the Government to establish an empowered unit within the Ministry of Education to regulate standards and outcomes, and to appoint a Special Parliamentary Committee to examine international schools. He also thanked the Government for support to the “Nearest School – Best School” project at Bandaragama Ramukkana Vidyalaya and requested completion of its master plan, while expressing support for wider education reforms, particularly in English teaching.
Education Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Sunil Rajapaksha JJB
AI summary Hon. Sunil Rajapaksha argued that Sri Lanka’s education system must be reformed to support broader social and economic change and to prepare future generations for a global, digital society. He said classrooms, teaching methods, facilities, and assessment should be redesigned around self-learning, inquiry, problem solving, creativity, gamification, and knowledge creation and sharing, rather than traditional approaches. He cited major infrastructure gaps, including limited smart boards, internet access, computers, and devices in schools and zonal offices, and stated that a task force for digital transformation in education has been established to address these needs gradually.
- The Hon. Ismail Muththu Mohamed
AI summary Hon. Ismail Muththu Mohamed thanked the Education Minister for agreeing to resume halted construction works at six schools in Vavuniya and Mannar and requested an assembly hall for a Vavuniya Muslim Maha Vidyalaya marking its centenary, since National School elevation is not currently available. He urged special attention to Northern and Vanni schools to address resource shortages, teacher shortages in mathematics, science and English, frequent transfers, dropout pressures including drug abuse, and the need for district-based teacher appointments, expedited principal appointments, and school management training. He also called for progress on the proposed medical faculty at Vavuniya University, possible recreational development of part of its land, and the urgent issue of long-delayed certificates for more than 1,200 teacher trainees from several colleges.
- The Hon. Ruwan Mapalagama JJB
AI summary Hon. Ruwan Mapalagama defended the education allocations in the Budget, highlighting the relaunch of the Suraksha student insurance scheme from 2026, grants for students in small schools and Aswesuma families, transport support, sanitary pad provision, and funding for pirivena education. He rejected Opposition claims that education reforms were merely presentational, stating that a formal reform report with ten objectives had been prepared and made available. He also defended the tuition sector, arguing that it provides supplementary education and livelihoods, and said any tax issues should be addressed without disparaging the entire profession.
Education Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath ITAK
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath supported the proposed education reforms but urged that they be implemented with equitable distribution of resources, particularly for war-affected schools in the Eastern Province and Batticaloa District. He highlighted severe teacher shortages in the Kalkudah Education Zone, especially in mathematics, inadequate provincial school funding, shortages of furniture and facilities, and specific infrastructure needs at Pattiruppu Maha Vidyalaya, Vaalaichenai Hindu College, and St. Michael’s College. He also called for expedited graduate teacher recruitment, expansion of vocational education to NVQ Level 7 with more trainers, and improvements at Eastern University including hostel facilities and regularization of Deans for specific faculties.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath ITAK
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath highlighted severe teacher shortages, stating that only 25 of 75 required teachers are serving and that many are Development Officers currently engaged in industrial action. He urged action through Provincial Councils to ensure equitable resource allocation and proceed with teacher appointments. He also requested that a previously proposed structural meeting be convened without delay.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Aboobucker Athambawa JJB
AI summary Hon. Aboobucker Athambawa supported the Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education allocations in the Committee Stage debate, noting the Rs. 704 billion allocation for 2026 and stating that education funding has increased compared with previous periods. He argued that past reforms suffered from weak planning, poor evidence, inadequate funding and urban-rural inequalities, and said the new reforms should promote social harmony, reduce inequality and advance “Education for All.” He highlighted proposed classroom changes including online learning, e-learning, smart boards, virtual education, 3D tools and other digital methods, while rejecting Opposition criticism and expressing confidence in implementation under the Prime Minister as Minister of Education.
Education Full speech → - The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK
AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam urged the Government to retain and strengthen History in the school curriculum, arguing that it should include the history of Tamil kingdoms, Tamil positions during constitutional reforms, and post-Independence grievances to promote equality among communities. He said recent Government actions had hurt the Tamil community and reiterated that a permanent political solution was needed. He also clarified a controversy over Archaeology Department nameboards in Batticaloa, stating that media reports were inaccurate and that, under the Pradeshiya Sabhas Act and a court order, authority for such installations lay with the Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam ITAK
AI summary Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam referred to a court decision concerning the Archaeology Department’s installation of a nameboard, noting that the Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman’s authority must be respected and that permission should be sought in writing with supporting documents and Gazette details. He said the Chairman was willing to re-install the nameboard if the proper legal process confirms the location and authority. He urged the media and other groups not to spread misinformation and requested that archaeology be appropriately included in the History syllabus.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Roshan Akmeemana JJB
AI summary Hon. Roshan Akmeemana said education reform is central to shaping Sri Lanka’s future and called for Opposition cooperation in modernizing an outdated system, with strategic reforms to accelerate in 2026 after economic stabilization in 2025. He argued that achieving the long-term goal of allocating 6 percent of GDP to education requires higher government revenue, noting revenue had fallen to about 8.3 percent of GDP and that education spending has been raised to 2.04 percent as an initial step. Responding to concerns over VAT on school supplies, he said fiscal constraints prevented its removal but direct assistance had been provided to low-income families, small-school students, adolescent girls and children with disabilities. He also stated that court delays had held up teacher recruitment, but around 25,000 teachers could be recruited by early next year to address roughly 30,000 vacancies.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Amila Prasad SJB
AI summary Hon. Amila Prasad criticized the Government’s education performance, questioning unmet commitments on allocating 6 percent of GDP to education and citing low spending progress on school modernization and foreign university scholarship allocations. He raised concerns over teacher vacancies, teacher and principal salaries, anti-ragging measures, Deputy Vice Chancellor appointments, university intake expansion, proposed new universities, and the future of the Grade 5 Scholarship Examination. He also questioned higher cutoff marks for popular schools despite only a small rise in qualifying students and argued that the exam favours higher-income families unless rural schools, facilities, and university places are expanded. He further criticized VAT-related impacts on local educational publications and book sales, saying the policy disadvantages local publishers and small producers.
- The Hon. Presiding Member procedural
- The Hon. Amila Prasad SJB
AI summary Hon. Amila Prasad requested the Government to establish and fund an empowered institution to assess and certify practical skills, including for workers such as welders and tourism-sector employees, to an NVQ-equivalent standard. He also sought clarification on reports that the full-time special-needs allowance had been reduced from 10 percent to 6 percent, despite commitments to support children with special needs. He questioned why the creation of new university faculties was being discouraged on fiscal grounds while education was being presented as a priority.
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. Amila Prasad SJB
AI summary Amila Prasad requested an additional minute from the Chairman to conclude his remarks.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. Amila Prasad SJB
AI summary Amila Prasad questioned how the Government intends to retain university staff without increasing special non-recurring allowances. He also criticized the Minister of Education’s conduct regarding respect for learners and urged the Government to appoint a suitable person to lead the Education Ministry and advance the education system.
- The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education JJB
AI summary The Prime Minister outlined the Government’s planned education reforms for 2026, including a 30-minute extension of school hours, new Grade 1 and 6 modules, teacher training, parent awareness programmes, and alignment with an Early Childhood Education Curriculum Framework. She said reforms would broaden higher education pathways beyond medicine, integrate vocational education into schools, improve examinations and assessment capacity, and expand digital facilities through smart classrooms in secondary schools. She emphasized that the reforms are based on stakeholder consultation and principles of equity, quality, and reducing disparities among schools and students.
Education Full speech → - The Hon. Speaker procedural
- Hon. Members
AI summary Members voiced assent (“Aye”) during the proceedings. The matter was then further considered in Committee with the Speaker in the Chair.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Chairman procedural
- The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya JJB
AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya outlined measures to address long-standing issues in the education sector, including filling vacancies in professional cadres, commencing teacher and graduate recruitment in early 2026, revising National Colleges of Education curricula by March, and investing in infrastructure through allocations of Rs. 8,604 million for 2026. She reported school transition rates above 96 percent, noted targeted concerns in rural areas and among boys, and said the alleged A/L Economics paper issue had been referred to the CID while examinations continue. She also stated that regulation of non-State education is being reviewed through the National Education Commission and that broader reforms, including an Education Council and pay-related mechanisms, are being pursued as long-term measures.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya JJB
AI summary Moved a Committee Stage amendment to the Appropriation Bill, 2026, on behalf of the Minister of Finance. The amendment seeks to revise the recurrent expenditure figure on page 25, line 8, to Rs. 233,850,000,000.
Public Finance Full speech → - The Hon. Chairman procedural
- Hon. Members
AI summary Parliament agreed to the questions relating to Head 126, approving Programme 01 recurrent expenditure of Rs. 41,948,000,000 and capital expenditure of Rs. 6,739,000,000 to stand part of the Schedule. The record also introduced Programme 02 allocations for development activities, comprising recurrent expenditure of Rs. 90,461,000,000 and capital expenditure of Rs. 51,352,000,000.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya JJB
AI summary Moved an amendment to Programme 02 of Head 126 during the Committee Stage of the Appropriation Bill, 2026.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Chairman procedural
- Hon. Members
AI summary Parliament agreed to amend Head 126 for the Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, increasing Programme 02 recurrent expenditure by Rs. 850 million to Rs. 91.311 billion to implement Budget Proposal Nos. 28 and 53, while approving capital expenditure of Rs. 51.352 billion. The House also approved allocations under the Department of Examinations and the Department of Educational Publications, including their recurrent and capital expenditure provisions, and proceeded to consider the University Grants Commission allocation.
- The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya JJB
AI summary Moved an amendment to Programme 02 of Head 214 during the Committee Stage of the Appropriation Bill, 2026.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech → - The Hon. Chairman procedural
- Hon. Members
AI summary Parliament agreed to amend Expenditure Head 214 for the University Grants Commission, increasing Programme 02 recurrent provision to Rs. 85 billion, with Rs. 10.5 billion in capital expenditure, to implement Budget Proposal Nos. 28 and 29. The Committee then approved the recurrent and capital allocations for the Department of Technical Education and Training under Head 215 and the National Education Commission under Head 335, and ordered those items to stand part of the Schedule.
- The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB
AI summary Bimal Rathnayake moved that the Committee report progress and seek leave to sit again. The motion was agreed to, and the Committee reported progress, with the next sitting scheduled for 26 November 2025.
Parliamentary Procedure Full speech →
- 10 Papers Papers: University Annual Reports 2022-2023 7 speeches