Hon. Rohitha Abeygunawardhana

¶ 01 Hon. Chairman, I am pleased to speak on the Votes of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, and that the Hon. Prime Minister, who is the subject Minister, was present earlier to hear views from both sides as we discuss new reforms and plans. I also congratulate her as the country’s third Prime Minister. We look forward to the State Minister’s responses.

¶ 02 A new government has allocated substantial funds for education in 2025—commendable. The Hon. Prime Minister outlined reforms under pillars, covering teacher training, other sectors, and physical resources.

¶ 03 Hon. Deputy Ministers, please clarify key reform points since the PM is at a Cabinet discussion. One proposal is a new examination at Grade 9. If so, what about the Grade 5 Scholarship Exam? Will it be abolished? What changes are planned for O/L and A/L? If the changes are good, we will support; if not, we will say so.

¶ 04 C.W.W. Kannangara, from my Kalutara District, is the father of free education. Yet when he re-contested from Matugama after introducing free education, he lost—a lesson in public life. Therefore, govern with responsibility; do not assume perpetual rule.

¶ 05 I asked a question recently requiring an oral reply from the Prime Minister/Minister; the State Minister sought two weeks—please respond then. Meanwhile, clarify this: the previous government decided to convert 1,000 well-performing Provincial Council schools into National Schools. Historically, Central Colleges became National Schools. Although I was in that government, I was not pleased with the one-time conversion of 1,000 schools. They gave Rs. 1 million for a name board and Rs. 1 million for internet—only Rs. 2 million per school—then put up “National School” signs. Parents felt pride, but now circulars reportedly ask them not to use the “National School” title, with only some selected. Explain how the name is being withdrawn and the criteria used for selection. Provinces had nurtured these large schools; now neither the province nor the centre seems to take full responsibility. Do not let these schools collapse; implement clear criteria and support.

¶ 06 It was said around 90% of teachers, principals, and academics supported electing this government. They now expect delivery—particularly by Sinhala and Tamil New Year. You say salaries have been increased; good. But when they receive the April pay packet, will it truly satisfy them? If it does, other anomalies can be addressed next.

¶ 07 Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe (Deputy Minister of Labour): I can give a “tuition” at some time.

¶ 08 Hon. Rohitha Abeygunawardhana: I welcome that—you stood with teachers and principals on the streets at Lipton Circus and Fort Station. Now that you are Deputy Minister, I hope there will be no more strikes and that teachers and principals can live happily.

¶ 09 Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe: There will be no need.

¶ 10 Hon. Rohitha Abeygunawardhana: If public servants are content with their pay, the people will be happy, and children benefit. Two sectors should not strike: health and education. Health strikes endanger lives; education strikes harm children’s futures. I am pleased if such strikes will not recur.

¶ 11 Hon. Chairman: Hon. Rohitha Abeygunawardhana, you have only two more minutes.

¶ 12 Hon. Rohitha Abeygunawardhana: Please consider adding the time lost to interruptions. Thank you, Hon. Chairman.