The Hon. Ruwan Mapalagama

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, as a teacher, I thank you for the opportunity to speak on the new government’s education reform. This is a historic paradigm shift in post-independence Sri Lankan education. The Hon. Prime Minister, as Minister of Education, has tirelessly explained the changes through meetings, workshops and media, though some still circulate misinformation.

¶ 02 Under the reform, starting in 2026, it will first apply to students entering Grades 1 and 6, and in 2028 to those entering Grade 10 who will sit their Grade 11 exams in 2029. Our current mindset focuses on the scholarship, O/L and A/L exams. We must move beyond that. Under the reform, there will be a National Competency Assessment in Grade 9 to help students choose their A/L pathways.

¶ 03 In 2024, 474,147 candidates sat the O/L (government and private), but only about 237,000 qualified for A/L—roughly 50%. Nearly half do not qualify. We can proudly say that from 2028 onwards, there will be no “failed” category at O/L. Everyone who starts Grade 1 will have the right to education up to Grade 13, and all who complete 13 years will achieve at least NVQ Level 4, opening pathways to vocational training or higher education. The reform also addresses inclusive and non-formal education, ensuring attention to children with special needs.

¶ 04 For the first time, many new subjects will enter the O/L curriculum: Computer Science, Data Science, Social Sciences, Aviation Studies, Film Studies, Supply Chain Management, Digital Management and more.

¶ 05 There is misinformation that “History” and “DOB” (Date of Birth) related content are being removed. Today both the President and the Prime Minister clearly stated that History is not being removed. From Grade 10, regardless of whether a student selects STEM, Science, Management, Humanities/Social Sciences, or Skills Development for A/L, they will compulsorily study Aesthetics and History up to Grade 11.

¶ 06 All these reforms are aligned with our policy framework “A Prosperous Country – A Beautiful Life,” under the theme of building a cultured citizen and a developed human resource.

¶ 07 When C.W.W. Kannangara introduced Free Education in 1943, some opposed it, saying it would deprive them of labourers to pluck fruits. Under this reform, we will teach history in depth and correctly, including modern history after 1980. Then no one can again mislead by claiming some groups are “snakes” or by allocating jobs through false historical narratives. Every child will have 13 years of education. I conclude with thanks.