The Hon. Chandana Sooriyaarachchi

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, we debate the Supplementary Estimate presented by the Hon. Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Hon. Harini Amarasuriya, to grant Rs. 6,000 per child for schoolbooks and supplies, seeking approval to allocate Rs. 6,500 million.

¶ 02 We say “the best for children,” but past practices did not deliver the best; children face many issues created over history. Our government bears responsibility to change that trajectory and build a better future for them. Our goal is to allocate at least 6% of GDP annually for education—only then can we deliver quality education and reduce parental burdens. The economy left by past rulers does not allow that immediately; but this is a beginning.

¶ 03 Some Opposition Members spoke on public service issues with crocodile tears. I have led unions for over two decades. We remember: in 2016 a government decided to cut public servants’ pensions; similar attempts were made under “Regaining Sri Lanka” in 2002. We went to the Supreme Court to protect rights. In 2014, Cabinet scrapped performance exams required for promotions. Between 2016–2019, retirees faced delays receiving their due pensions. Recruitment, pay scales, and service structures were mishandled. In July 1980, nearly 100,000 workers were summarily dismissed; those who politicized state institutions are now lecturing us. State workers read not just the cover—they read the chapters and chose the NPP for change. We will not betray their trust; we will address workers’ issues clearly and have already shown our approach.

¶ 04 On School Development Officers (SDOs): after the President was sworn in on 23 September, the caretaker government held two rounds of talks with SDO unions—first with the PM/Education Minister, then with the PM’s Secretary. Further discussions were planned with the State Minister of Education. We avoided tear gas, ensured access, and engaged. Our message to SDOs and other graduates: we are ready to resolve issues, prioritize filling teacher shortages by absorbing qualified personnel, and then address unemployed graduates in society.

¶ 05 About 20% of schoolchildren lack fair access to quality education due to socio-economic disparities, worsened by past decisions. Many households—around 14% unemployment—saw incomes fall, causing significant educational setbacks. While we cannot fix all at once, within months we have laid out a clear path and are taking necessary steps. We will make the sacrifices needed to rebuild children’s education and their future. Thank you.