The Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah

¶ 01 Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim.

¶ 02 Hon. Presiding Member, we are debating education reforms. We listened to Government Members, including the Member who spoke before me, saying we criticize the Hon. Prime Minister. We have great respect for her: well-educated, from a fine family, and we are proud she is Prime Minister. We have not spoken against her.

¶ 03 Education reform is essential and overdue. For political reasons, past governments evaded it. The Hon. Prime Minister, Harini Amarasuriya, has taken a clear decision to bring and implement education reforms. We welcome this. It should not be postponed. The issues relate only to some subjects—especially sexuality and same-sex content—raising religious and cultural concerns. Religious leaders and intellectuals asked only for those sexuality-related lessons to be removed; no one asked to stop the entire reform.

¶ 04 Our syllabi and systems are outdated. While countries like India advance rapidly in information technology, our universities still teach syllabi designed 5–10 years earlier, with no agile mechanisms or funding to update. Unless we change syllabi and systems, our students will not have a bright future. Education—school and university—is not to keep youth idle at home; parents want children to secure good employment and support families.

¶ 05 We welcome the reforms and will fully support implementation, provided they respect religious, cultural and ethical values acceptable to all faiths. Postponing by a year is a serious mistake; it could slip beyond 2027. Implement the reform now. Change the syllabi—at schools and universities—so that we build a better society.

¶ 06 Sir, I would like to say a few words in English on behalf of thousands of young Sri Lankans. Every year about 180,000 qualify for university through A/Ls, but only around 45,000 enter State universities. Over 135,000 qualified are left out. State universities alone, with overcrowded halls and strained facilities, cannot meet demand. Non-State universities are now a necessity to complement, not replace, free education. Expansion must be responsible: a National Policy, strict accreditation, foreign partnerships, public–private partnerships, student protection, and scholarships. Prioritize teachers, curriculum accuracy, and stakeholder consultation. Education is a national responsibility. Reform, but carefully; expand access, but protect quality; listen to constructive criticism. Thank you.