The Hon. (Dr.) Upali Pannilage - Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, in line with the Government’s policy, our education strategy focuses on producing virtuous citizens and a developed human resource. Among our core principles is equitable access to education.

¶ 02 We view education as a social welfare investment, not a commodity. The state must invest to develop human capital, while ensuring non-state and private education align with quality standards. Accordingly, the 2026 Appropriation Bill allocates about LKR 704.3 billion, plus about LKR 4 billion through the Budget Speech, totaling roughly LKR 708 billion for education.

¶ 03 The Hon. Prime Minister noted today that this is the highest-ever allocation for education—about 13.16% of projected total government revenue (LKR 5,355 billion) and 15.7% of primary expenditure.

¶ 04 Some Opposition Members raised the 6% of GDP target. We accept the goal but stated clearly it will be achieved progressively given current economic realities. This year we have allocated about 2.04% of GDP—the highest since 2017.

¶ 05 Globally, many countries allocate around 4% of GDP to education. Our aim is to progressively surpass that.

¶ 06 On higher education quality: We have appointed an expert committee to develop a policy framework to enhance standards across state and non-state universities and will continue this work.

¶ 07 On international scholarships: As per the 2025 Budget, we enabled top-performing A/L students to study in globally ranked universities; funds are provided in 2026 to continue this over coming years.

¶ 08 On university hostels: There are about 150,000 undergraduates; only around 60,000 have hostel accommodation (~40%). We have allocated LKR 4,000 million to improve hostels and common facilities.

¶ 09 On research: Universities must generate knowledge, not only transmit it. We have allocated LKR 11,500 million for research in this Budget to fuel discovery and innovation for students and society.

¶ 10 On student support: As of 2024, 65,830 are Mahapola beneficiaries. We doubled Mahapola from LKR 5,000 to LKR 10,000 per month within two Budgets. The general bursary, received by 36,893 students, was raised from LKR 4,000 to LKR 9,000—a 125% increase across 2025 and 2026.

¶ 11 On inclusive education: Around 8% of the population are persons with disabilities. Only 112 students with disabilities entered universities in 2024/2025, limited to four streams (Biological Science, Physical Science, Management, Arts). We have formed a sub-committee with the UGC to expand access across disciplines and, additionally, provide a monthly LKR 5,000 allowance to support their studies.

¶ 12 On school equity: We propose a monthly LKR 5,000 allowance for children from low-income families to support schooling. While we did not cut taxes on school supplies, we provided LKR 6,000 per child and will continue in 2026 with an additional LKR 9,000 million allocation—ensuring equitable access for the poorest.

¶ 13 On staffing: Approved academic cadre is 13,215; in service 10,466. Recruitment was halted by previous governments. From 2,749 vacancies, we have Cabinet approval to recruit 1,345 and begun the process. Academic recruitment is done by universities, not the Ministry or UGC; processes are underway.

¶ 14 In conclusion, we are undertaking broad reforms to prepare society for the 21st century by developing human capital and creating a virtuous society.

¶ 15 Thank you, Hon. Presiding Member.