The Hon. Imran Maharoof

¶ 01 Thank you, Hon. Presiding Member. Today we debate the adjournment motion on education reform. Both Government and Opposition Members are presenting their views.

¶ 02 Education reforms have occurred at various times in this country: in 1972, 1980, 1997, 2007 and 2015, successfully. However, the current reform being implemented has met with public opposition and is marked as a failed reform in Sri Lanka’s history.

¶ 03 Sri Lanka’s future must be strong. Reforms are meant to shape a student community fit for that future. Education reform is necessary in every era because our system must adapt to global change. Therefore, we, as the Opposition, welcome the bringing of reforms in principle. But what exactly is contained in this reform? Government Members, instead of explaining the good aspects, have mostly spoken about the Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Sajith Premadasa. We expected clarity from the Government on the merits, but that did not happen. They blame the Opposition for the delays and problems, yet offer no solutions and do not accept their own mistakes.

¶ 04 For one and a half years they journeyed with this Government, and still only criticize, without proposing a way forward. I urge the Government to mature in approach, understand the issues properly, and bring alternative measures.

¶ 05 There is also talk today of a no-confidence motion. Why has the Government cultivated expectations around it? Whether we bring a no-confidence motion or not, and whether we criticize the Government, is our prerogative. When Government Members taunt us to bring it immediately, it raises doubts as to whether there are divisions within the Government itself. What we say is: pay greater attention to the substance of these education reforms.

¶ 06 This reform package has many deficiencies. There are many experts in the education field, but no meaningful consultations took place, not even in the relevant parliamentary committees. How will future education activities improve under such a reform? In my Trincomalee District, how many classrooms have smart TVs under the Central Government? Do schools have smart-technology facilities? Have Provincial Councils equipped their schools? Without building such basic infrastructure, how can students and even parents adapt to tech-based education? Even if schools have smart TVs and technology, do students have tablets and devices at home? There are many such issues that we must resolve immediately.

¶ 07 Let us all, beyond Government-Opposition divides, unite to bring a proper education reform. Acknowledge flaws in the current system, and, instead of repeating that the previous government introduced it, unite all leaders and parties to protect public confidence, and implement a sound education plan. With that, I conclude.