The Hon. Aboobucker Athambawa

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, I am pleased to participate in the Committee Stage debate on the Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education. We know education plays a crucial role in a country’s development and in social development.

¶ 02 In the past, due to the lack of proper communication between policy makers and institutions, and due to inadequate funding and weak planning, serious difficulties arose in education reform. They failed to gather scientific evidence and craft a reform suitable for our country. As a result, the quality of education declined.

¶ 03 On this basis, large allocations have been made for education in the 2025 and 2026 Budgets. In particular, Rs. 704 billion has been allocated for 2026. Through this funding, we must not only develop education in our country but also, through new education reforms, achieve broader social uplift in the future. Compared with previous periods, especially after 2010, we now see substantially higher allocations for education. In the 2026 Budget, education is at 2.04 percent. I wish to note that this Government will continue to increase allocations for education.

¶ 04 Sri Lanka’s education reform is anchored on the need for profound social transformation, aligned with our demographic and economic expectations, and capable of bringing about artistic, cultural and value changes. There is a close, interwoven relationship between communities and education reform in a multi-ethnic, multi-religious, multi-lingual country such as ours. This reform is designed to foster social harmony and reduce inequality.

¶ 05 In the past, reforms based on various levels of inequality created stark gaps between urban and rural schools. For 76 years we have failed to achieve the desired educational goals. In a diverse country, earlier policies sometimes accentuated social divisions. Through the new reforms, we expect to drive rapid development. Education reforms must meet social needs and ensure “Education for All” by improving attainment using technology and other resources, better teaching-learning activities, and systematic training for teachers and principals.

¶ 06 The classroom is likened to a mother’s womb; from here emerge politicians, national leaders and social activists. Previously, the intended teaching-learning processes could not be fully realized. Through the new reform, we will transform classrooms significantly—introducing online methods, e-learning, Internet, virtual education, smart boards, digital drawing and painting, concept formation, 3D formation, animation, and other digital approaches. This reform will enable many such initiatives.

¶ 07 Some in the Opposition are criticizing these reforms. They should first examine what they themselves did for education while in power. Those who gained Tamil-speaking votes alongside the Opposition also find faults. Yet this reform will certainly be superior to past efforts. It is being implemented under the close supervision of a leader deeply connected to education, who is both the Prime Minister and the Minister of Education. I convey my thanks to him. By fully implementing this reform nationwide, we can achieve our goals. I conclude.