The Hon. (Dr.) Madhura Senevirathna - Deputy Minister of Education and Higher Education
On behalf of the Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, the Deputy Minister provided enrolment figures for Dhammarathana Vidyalaya, Lakshapathiya Shikshadhana Vidyalaya, and Sunandopananda Primary School from 2023 to 2026, noting growth at Dhammarathana and declines at the other two schools. He stated that teaching and learning continue with required facilities in all three schools, despite Lakshapathiya having only 30 students in 2026. He attributed reduced demand at Lakshapathiya partly to its location and nearby alternative schools, and said the Primary Schools Development Project includes development of nearby Salina Vidyalaya in 2027, with possible accommodation of Lakshapathiya students there if necessary.
Verbatim record (translated)
Machine-translated from Sinhala / Tamil / English¶ 01 Hon. Speaker, on behalf of the Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, I answer as follows.
¶ 02 (a) (i) Current student numbers (2026): - Dhammarathana Vidyalaya: 110 - Lakshapathiya Shikshadhana Vidyalaya: 30 - Sunandopananda Primary School: 63
¶ 03 (ii) We compiled a detailed report covering intake trends and enrolment over the last four years. The student numbers for the past four years are: - Dhammarathana Vidyalaya: 2023 - 89; 2024 - 100; 2025 - 96; 2026 - 110 - Lakshapathiya Shikshadhana Vidyalaya: 2023 - 48; 2024 - 36; 2025 - 36; 2026 - 30 - Sunandopananda Primary School: 2023 - 81; 2024 - 80; 2025 - 62; 2026 - 63
¶ 04 Dhammarathana shows an increase since 2023. Lakshapathiya shows a slight decline over the four years, remaining below 50 students. Sunandopananda also shows a modest decline, with 63 students in 2026. Teaching and learning are ongoing in all three schools with proper procedures.
¶ 05 (iii) Although Lakshapathiya’s enrolment has decreased, all required facilities for teaching and learning have been provided. The school is in a relatively affluent area where demand has reduced, and there are four nearby schools attracting students due to proximity: - B/ Pili/ Podujaya Vidyalaya (Type 3) – 2.5 km - B/ Pili/ Salina Vidyalaya (Type 3) – 3 km - B/ Pili/ Uyana Junior School (Type 2) – 3 km - B/ Pili/ Rawathawatta Methodist School (Type 2) – 2.5 km
¶ 06 The Ministry is implementing the Primary Schools Development Project to ensure quality education for every child. Salina Vidyalaya, near Lakshapathiya, is listed for development in 2027. Where necessary, students from Lakshapathiya can be accommodated there, while maintaining proper teaching at Lakshapathiya.
¶ 07 (b) Does not arise.
Provenance
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- Hansard, Thursday, 7 May 2026 ·No. 23540 ·English daily/uncorrected Hansard
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Cite as: The Hon. (Dr.) Madhura Senevirathna - Deputy Minister of Education and Higher Education. 10th Parliament, Parliament of Sri Lanka. Hansard, 7 May 2026. No. 23540. Politick, https://staging.politick.io/lk/speeches/3386