The Hon. Ajith P. Perera

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, with my limited time I want to focus on an under-discussed issue: international schools. International schools now exist in almost every town. In Kalutara District, only Agalawatte lacks one; Panadura, Kalutara, Bandaragama, Horana each have several. Due to doubts about the quality in national and government schools—especially weaknesses in English—parents think English-medium instruction is the path to success. There is some truth: English opens access to knowledge in a wider world.

¶ 02 But many parents enter a dark, unregulated space—some international schools are excellent; others are very poor. Today, not just a few, but hundreds of thousands of children are in that system. Yet the Budget does not set a direction for the future of international schools or standards and oversight. International schools are no longer only for privileged families; middle-class and working families also send children there.

¶ 03 This is a serious issue. The Government must determine a policy for international schools, assume responsibility for setting standards and oversight—not merely whether they do Edexcel or Cambridge. These are our children, and the State bears responsibility for their futures. We do not ask for funds—establish a dedicated, empowered unit within the Ministry of Education to set and enforce standards and report results. Also appoint a Special Parliamentary Committee to examine this.

¶ 04 I thank the Prime Minister for launching the first “Nearest School – Best School” project at Bandaragama Ramukkana Vidyalaya. We have a full master plan; funds were provided to complete partly built structures—I thank the Minister and the Secretary. Please allow the remaining plan to be completed to build a fully-fledged model school there.

¶ 05 There has been criticism of the Minister today—some fair, some unfair. I do not doubt her commitment to revive education. Reforms are essential—especially bold, innovative approaches for English teaching. Once again, I request a Special Parliamentary Committee on international schools; we in the Opposition will support you in solving this.

¶ 06 Thank you.