The Hon. Ravindra Bandara

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, today we debate an important Universities (Amendment) Bill. The Opposition Leader claims it leads to authoritarianism—on the contrary, it establishes democracy. Previously, the VC chose Deans only from HoDs; now all eligible academics can contest—this is democratic. Earlier, Deans could continue effectively indefinitely by two-year cycles. That was the authoritarian element we are removing with term limits.

¶ 02 As for claims of “sexualizing education,” we must look at ourselves. We heard the most vulgar, crude words used in this House by a Member from Anuradhapura. That is what degrades Parliament. Another Member spoke similarly. Some even talked of restricting women’s freedom to travel. This is also degradation.

¶ 03 A teacher reportedly said the recent “Diksha” cyclone was due to divine wrath; if a science or mathematics teacher says that, it shows why education reform is needed.

¶ 04 The SJB appointed several “young leaders” to its Working Committee; giving youth space is good, but those same youth were seen climbing coconut trees to pluck coconuts in mockery—while we seek to prepare children for the 21st century. Those crying “obscenity” are themselves spreading it widely by sensationalizing.

¶ 05 Regarding estate workers’ wages: from February 10 they receive Rs. 400 more (Rs. 200 by companies and Rs. 200 by the Government). The Hon. Jeevan Thondaman may respond in his speech, but let it be clear: we increased wages; claims about drastically raised plucking norms or 25 working days are misinformation.

¶ 06 The Opposition Leader referred to “Malayalam people.” The correct reference is “Malaiyagam community,” not “Malayalam people.” Please take note.

¶ 07 On white papers then versus now: we opposed those earlier proposals because they privatized education, created “unitary schools” funded not by the State but parents, and private schools whose teachers were to be paid by Government—shifting the burden to parents. Eminent monks—Ven. Amarawansa of Akuratiya, Ven. Madihhe Pannaseeha—and professors like Mendis Rohanadeera and Vishva Warnapala opposed them, as did many in the then Government benches. To call them “terrorists” is absurd. Let us recall real terror: in 1981, anticipating defeat in the Jaffna DDC poll, the Government paroled a notorious gang rapist and used thugs; the Jaffna Library and newspaper offices were burnt while Ministers were in the area, including the then Education Minister. That was terror and degradation of education. Later, the notorious 1982 referendum extended Parliament—another stain.

¶ 08 Today, however, indicators are improving: investment up 72 percent; 2025 saw record tourist arrivals and remittances; the stock market broke records. That is why some are agitated when education too moves forward.

¶ 09 Our reforms aim not to burden parents but to strengthen public education. In electricity, we did not privatize or retrench 12,000 workers as previously planned; we kept institutions public and are fixing them. Likewise, trust us on education reform.

¶ 10 Let us also change Parliament’s culture—end the “chili powder” era and vulgarities that once echoed here.

¶ 11 Thank you.