The Hon. (Dr.) Elayathamby Srinath

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees, thank you for the opportunity to speak in today’s Adjournment Debate on the education reforms proposed to be implemented from 2026.

¶ 02 Education reform is a necessity of the time. In Sri Lanka, reforms should have been undertaken periodically to respond to global contexts and build an empowered society. We welcome these reforms and stand ready to contribute and support them.

¶ 03 However, past measures included bitter and unacceptable elements. Notably, a so-called “standardization” in the past led Tamil youth to take up arms, with devastating consequences for Tamil people. For years, our community lacked basic facilities and equitable resource allocation in education; we needed to advance from that disadvantage.

¶ 04 The present Government appears mindful of equal respect for all communities and equitable resource distribution through reforms. When reforming, resources must be allocated fairly to our regions as well.

¶ 05 In previous reforms, improper resource distribution impeded our community from benefiting. We must ensure education does not become a burden. Today, children are overloaded with subjects beyond age-appropriate levels, causing undue stress. As the Hon. President observed, students leave home early for studies and return late at night; this must change. Children should learn in natural settings and enjoy their youth.

¶ 06 Today, even after 13 years of schooling—and even after university—many youths remain unemployed and seek work abroad. We must embed vocational and employability skills, moving beyond rote learning, so that economic and technical education complements academics. This must be delivered equitably—urban or rural—without regional disparities, with proper, phased resourcing.

¶ 07 On governance: We have national and provincial schools. Parents flock to national schools mainly because provincial schools lack sufficient resources and funding, limiting facilities and development. Future reforms must ensure balanced resource allocation between provincial and national schools, strengthening the provincial council system and increasing funding.

¶ 08 Our Tamil community welcomes the Government’s strong stance against corruption. However, there has been little movement on a political solution for Tamils. Even strengthening the already limited Provincial Council system, holding elections, devolving powers, and channeling the reformed education system through it have not progressed.

¶ 09 On History, there are criticisms. Reforms must include the historically neglected Tamil narrative within curricula, promoting mutual understanding, tolerance, and equal respect among communities. Curricula should help all youth learn to live together with dignity, safeguarding cultures—including Tamil history—within a cohesive national framework. We urge that reforms be pursued ethically and inclusively, forging a future where all youth can thrive and Sri Lanka grows stronger.

¶ 10 Thank you.