The Hon. (Dr.) (Ms.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education

¶ 01 Hon. Speaker, the answers are as follows.

¶ 02 (a) (i) We intend to implement feasible elements of the previous reform proposals, with adjustments, to transform the current education system. We noted the lack of an implementation roadmap earlier; we are reviewing and aim to proceed with our reforms with a long-term vision by 2026. (ii) We have no intention to remove Aesthetics, IT, or Accounting; rather, we will revise their content appropriately. These subjects should remain in the curriculum. (iii) Yes. We are prepared to introduce a transformative change, focusing on three areas: strengthening teacher training; improving school organization and infrastructure to reduce disparities; and reforming curriculum content to create a school environment that opens the world to every child. (iv) We will reform subject clusters and the assessment and evaluation processes to reduce student pressure by adjusting content and assessment structures. We seek a less exam-centric, more practical learning approach.

¶ 03 (b) (i) From the national budget, funds for national schools are allocated via the Ministry of Education, and for provincial schools via the National Finance Commission to Provincial Councils. Under the School-Based Learning Enhancement Grant, funds are provided. In 2023, limited allocations were given: 105 national schools with fewer than 2,000 students and 45 schools under a World Bank project received grants. For 146 national schools with more than 2,000 students that could not be funded in 2023, Rs. 1 million per school was planned for minor repairs and performance enhancement; 122 received funds in 2024, and the remaining 24 will receive funds in the first quarter of 2025. In 2025, all national schools will again receive School-Based Learning Promotion grants. Provinces have been instructed to extend similar school-based grants to all provincial schools according to their allocations. (ii) Reducing competition is part of the 2026 reform rollout, including changes to subjects and examinations, and addressing inter-school disparities which drive competition. (iii) We will expand higher education opportunities by first resolving issues within universities in 2025: infrastructure gaps in new faculties, programme quality, staff shortages, and student welfare such as hostel deficits. We will particularly expand opportunities in technology and vocational higher education to directly support economic growth.

¶ 04 (c) Not applicable.