The Hon. Muneer Mulaffer - Deputy Minister of Religious and Cultural Affairs

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees, thank you for the opportunity.

¶ 02 On this debate during the Adjournment regarding education reforms, I wish to recall what our Hon. Prime Minister previously stated in this august House: that these reforms are not something initiated by the National People’s Power (NPP). We all accept that. This has been discussed for years. The technical aspects, especially those about curricula, include concepts that are not “NPP Government concepts,” as the Prime Minister clearly stated.

¶ 03 The Opposition raised various issues today. Clarifying these for parents and all stakeholders is our responsibility. We all accept that the current education imposes a heavy burden on children and must change. However, going by today’s debate, one wonders whether the Opposition itself is split—SJB claiming they are right in every respect while suggesting other Opposition parties are in a different place. There were also discussions about intellectual and non-intellectual matters; sometimes, one wonders whether some of those arguments were themselves lacking in intellect.

¶ 04 On school facilities, the Leader of the Opposition spoke strongly. Before our Independence—close to that period—India gained Independence. Afterward, India had a planned trajectory across sectors, including education, advancing to the point of space exploration and global leadership while preserving indigeneity. In contrast, after 400 years of colonialism, we must reflect on where our education stands. Those who governed over the decades now sit in the Opposition and speak about school facilities. I watched a TV segment highlighting educational inequities and the state of schools. Those who once used political influence to secure admissions to elite schools now decry the state of rural schools. We firmly believe reforms are needed, and as they happen, we must reduce gaps between schools. The NPP stands clearly for reducing those gaps.

¶ 05 The Leader of the Opposition tried to suggest the Government started these reforms without preparation. But we know concept papers were publicized and even in this House we created an environment to brief MPs. India today reaps benefits with its people in leading global institutions. Our children’s and education’s destiny here must be reconsidered. If the Opposition loved children’s education so much over the last 76 years, why did they fail to take us to a developed education?

¶ 06 Let me give a simple example. In the very rural Mieel-la in Hakmana, Matara, a child studying in Tamil medium who excelled still had to travel 180–200 km to pursue science at A/Level. Some bright rural children, due to the system, ended up in odd jobs like market porters instead of pursuing science paths. All this must change so that every child gets fair education opportunities.

¶ 07 We must also consider school dropouts. In 2019, dropouts were 16,673; in 2022, 20,759; in 2024, 20,755. Why are children leaving? This tells us reforms are essential.

¶ 08 The Opposition says they are not against reforms, yet they moved a no-confidence motion against the Prime Minister based on these reforms, with slogans claiming the reforms should be rejected. Now some say they agree with reforms. Their consciences know reforms are necessary. Nowhere in the world is there a perfect, flaw-free reform. Practical implementation requires identifying and correcting shortcomings.

¶ 09 Unfortunately, when socializing these reforms, those who took to the streets in protest were the very promoters of a corrupt political culture who want children subjugated to that culture so they can live comfortably while the poor suffer. Parents and the public know why the Opposition acts thus.

¶ 10 Education must change. The Government takes responsibility for addressing injustices by improving infrastructure, giving children space to see the world and learn with technology. Recently, I saw institutions like laptop.lk providing devices and support to Puttalam District.

¶ 11 Finally, let me share a beautiful message from the Prophet regarding education: “First, learn. Second, if you cannot learn, teach. Third, if you cannot do either, participate in education. Support those receiving education. Do not be a fourth party.”

¶ 12 Let us not sabotage education or children’s future for petty politics. While India advances to space, we must think of our children’s destiny and support these reforms. Those now speaking against reforms are those who long misled the public. Let us not be a fourth party; let us all act for our children’s education. I conclude.

¶ 13 Thank you.