The Hon. Chanaka Madugoda

¶ 01 Thank you, Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees.

¶ 02 At this important moment discussing the future of the world, I must say the new educational reforms are the expectation of all of us — Government and Opposition — and of the entire nation. When your Government came to power, the people’s expectation was your Government. Likewise, today their common expectation is these new educational reforms.

¶ 03 The Government first launched the Clean Sri Lanka programme — a very good programme — but now it has lost momentum. Then, without proper planning, a census of animals was attempted and also failed. Therefore, do not undertake these education reforms in a haphazard manner. Take time; consult educationists and experts; engage stakeholders within the system; and obtain views from both sides of Parliament. Education reforms span decades. If we can proceed with wide consensus, it will be worthwhile.

¶ 04 Since this discussion began, an issue arose regarding history and aesthetics. For Grades 10 and 11, history and aesthetics are not placed in the compulsory category. We cannot build the future by forgetting history. In the proposed reforms, history and aesthetics are placed as elective subjects, not compulsory. When core subjects get three credits and subjects like history and aesthetics get two, students are discouraged from choosing them. Without history, we cannot build a future or national pride. If history and aesthetics do not receive due place, we will do all in our power to defeat such proposals.

¶ 05 We also did not see adequate focus on early childhood. If reforms start at Grade 1 in 2026, children must be prepared from preschool. We have not seen teachers in preschools being oriented. Please pay attention to that.

¶ 06 The modular system you introduce is good — it moves beyond high-stakes examination competition. But issues can arise, especially bias in teacher-led evaluation. People had trust in national examinations. Under modular assessment, teachers may be placed in situations where favouritism influences decisions. Please ensure safeguards.

¶ 07 We do not agree with extending school hours. Longer hours can reduce children’s health, delay lunch, and reduce time for sports. Please reconsider this.

¶ 08 We must all work together to make these reforms a reality. Also, three days ago a matter arose: Minister Ananda Wijepala halted the recruitment of 100 Sub Inspectors the day after taking office on 20 November 2024, claiming the committee report had not come. But the committee report 4862/2025 reached his Ministry on 7 July. Do not deny opportunities to the selected, lawfully recruited youth.

¶ 09 Educational reform is everyone’s aspiration. Let us make it real. Thank you.