The Hon. Chanaka Madugoda

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, I am pleased to speak on the Heads of the Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education.

¶ 02 We welcome the increase in allocations to education in this Budget. Speaking of education, we must remember C.W.W. Kannangara, the father of free education. We all benefitted from free education, yet today its promise is under question as competitive pressures push families beyond the school system.

¶ 03 Every government has valued our teachers. A notable step was by Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen as Minister of Education/Higher Education, recognizing teachers’ pay and initiating improvements under the Subodhini Committee recommendations and union demands—substantial salary additions were made. The present Government must now complete full implementation as promised; we trust the Deputy Minister, who once led that struggle, will deliver.

¶ 04 Past governments strengthened education via initiatives like “Poshitha Pasal” (nurtured schools) uplifting thousands of primaries, and the “Mahindodaya Technological Laboratories,” integrating technology. Programmes like “Best School” added strength. Children received free textbooks, uniforms, meals, scholarships, and the “Suraksha” insurance. The current Government has provided Rs. 6,000 for school stationery—commendable—but only to schools with fewer than 300 students. Popular schools with more than 300 students were excluded. I request the Hon. Prime Minister to extend support based on household need, not just school size—identify low‑income families and include them.

¶ 05 The previous Government’s “10,000 National Schools” drive transformed strong provincial schools into national schools. Many welcomed the prestige, but where is that concept now? Initial funds were given and nameboards installed, but progress stalled. We expect corrective action.

¶ 06 Principal appointments are now merit‑based via the Public Service Commission—good. Yet some appointees lack practical school experience, affecting performance. Introduce robust induction training on school systems and culture for newly appointed principals.

¶ 07 On English medium instruction: an English‑medium stream pioneered at Labuduwe Siridhamma Vidyalaya could not be sustained due to differing views among educationists. Please consider a clear policy to expand English‑medium options where appropriate.

¶ 08 Two specific issues: - The limited competitive exam for the Education Administrative Service: applications were called in 2021; the exam held in 2023; 442 vacancies remain. Please expedite appointments. - University staff salary anomalies are widely reported; please review. - Milagiriya St. Paul’s Girls’ School has had four to five acting principals over four years; appoint a permanent principal urgently. - There is an acute shortage of Tamil‑medium teachers in Galle, the South, and nationwide; advisor out‑migration from vocational institutes also hurts capacity. Please address these gaps.

¶ 09 We trust the Government will ensure quality education for all our children. Thank you.