Topic
Education
1,409 speeches · 257 speakers
Party share
By the speaker's party · counts only, no scoring. "Unattributed" = speeches not resolved to an MP.
Most active on this topic
| # | Member | Speeches |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hon. Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, M.P. JJB | 213 |
| 2 | Hon. (Dr.) Madhura Senevirathna, M.P. JJB | 99 |
| 3 | Hon. Sajith Premadasa, M.P. SJB | 51 |
| 4 | Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa, M.P. JJB | 29 |
| 5 | Hon. (Mrs.) Rohini Kumari Wijerathna, M.P. SJB | 25 |
| 6 | Hon. Ravi Karunanayake, M.P. NDF | 25 |
| 7 | Hon. Nalin Hewage, M.P. JJB | 21 |
| 8 | Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake, M.P. NDF | 18 |
| 9 | Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney at Law, M.P. SJB | 17 |
| 10 | Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka, M.P. SJB | 17 |
Speeches
1,409 on this topic- 3 February 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education JJB AI summary After Cyclone “Ditwah”, the Ministry of Education’s Engineering Division inspected affected schools and its findings are being verified with the National Building Research Organisation before action is taken. The Prime Minister stated that some damaged school buildings can be repaired on site, while others require relocation, and that the Ministry has identified these cases and is proceeding accordingly. Oral Questions and Ministerial Answers Read →
- 3 February 2026 The Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Rauff Hakeem raised a supplementary question on the safety of Deltota Muslim College and nearby homes in Piyasena Pura following a landslide after Cyclone “Ditwah”. He said the school playground, primary section buildings, and houses near the hospital were in a dangerous condition, with about 150 schools in Kandy District reportedly facing similar risks. He requested that the Ministry of Education’s Buildings Division or NBRO engineers urgently inspect the premises and determine whether the buildings are safe for students to use. Oral Questions and Ministerial Answers Read →
- 3 February 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education JJB AI summary The Prime Minister stated that the incomplete three-storey building at Deltota Muslim College in Kandy was constructed under the “Nearest School - The Best School” programme, but only the ground floor was completed due to funding limitations. She said the four completed classrooms are in use, while eight classrooms on the remaining two floors are planned at an estimated cost of Rs. 55.8 million. Funds have been requested this year to complete the remaining construction under the same programme. Oral Questions and Ministerial Answers Read →
- 3 February 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya JJB AI summary Grade 6 textbooks based on the existing, unchanged syllabus have been printed and distribution has begun, with completion expected by mid-February. Teaching has already commenced, and assurances were given that students will not be disadvantaged and necessary measures will be taken. Oral Questions and Ministerial Answers Read →
- 3 February 2026 The Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha SJB AI summary The Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha asked what immediate measures would be taken to address the absence of Grade 6 modules and textbooks, noting the hardship faced by students. He specifically asked whether last year’s textbook could be provided as an interim solution and whether textbooks would be delivered by the second term. Oral Questions and Ministerial Answers Read →
- 3 February 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya JJB AI summary The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya stated that no modules have been removed from the curriculum. She said the modules will be used for Grade 6 when education reforms begin in 2027, after making identified corrections. Oral Questions and Ministerial Answers Read →
- 3 February 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya JJB AI summary Printed textbooks have been distributed, while the paused materials are Grade 6 modules prepared under the first phase of education reforms. The modules have not been rejected or scrapped; they are intended to be used, with necessary corrections, when Grade 6 reforms are implemented in 2027. She stated that there is therefore no loss from their withdrawal. Oral Questions and Ministerial Answers Read →
- 3 February 2026 The Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha SJB AI summary Nalin Bandara Jayamaha asked the Prime Minister about the reported withdrawal of modules introduced with textbooks under the education reforms. He sought clarification on the total expenditure, amid claims of costs ranging from Rs. 500 million to Rs. 1 billion, and asked who would be held responsible if public funds were wasted. He also questioned whether the Ministry would take action to recover any losses. Oral Questions and Ministerial Answers Read →
- 3 February 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education JJB AI summary The Prime Minister provided a written answer on the Department of Educational Publications, outlining its responsibilities for producing and distributing educational textbooks and materials. She tabled data on reusable and remaining school textbooks from 2020 to 2025, including quantities and financial values, noting that precise records were limited before the IT-based ordering system introduced for 2023-2025. She also reported textbook printing costs for 2021 and 2022 use, and described measures to ensure timely textbook distribution through computerized ordering, stock-based print planning, procurement scheduling, and expanded transport and staffing arrangements. Oral Questions and Ministerial Answers Read →
- 3 February 2026 The Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha SJB AI summary Nalin Bandara Jayamaha raised Question No. 207/2024 to the Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education regarding textbooks that remained undistributed between 2020 and 2025. He sought information on the financial value of those undistributed textbooks, indicating concern over possible wastage or inefficiency in textbook distribution. Oral Questions and Ministerial Answers Read →
- 3 February 2026 Ministerial Consultative Committee on Education, Higher Education and Vocational Training AI summary The Ministerial Consultative Committee on Education, Higher Education and Vocational Training met on 3 February 2026 with the listed Members in attendance, chaired by Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya. The record provided contains only the attendance details and does not include substantive remarks, proposals, questions, or decisions for summary. Opening and Parliamentary Announcements Read →
- 23 January 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya JJB AI summary Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the key issues concerning education reforms should be debated substantively in relation to national goals, competencies, and pathways. She indicated readiness to consider constructive proposals and proceed on that basis. Debate: Universities (Amendment) Bill - Second and Third Reading Read →
- 23 January 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education JJB AI summary The Prime Minister defended the Universities (Amendment) Bill, stating that it responds to long-standing demands from FUTA and the university community for more democratic and transparent processes in appointing Heads of Departments and Deans, while preserving academic autonomy and strengthening public accountability. She said Committee Stage amendments would incorporate further proposals, including some raised by the Opposition and FUTA, and rejected claims that the Bill would politicize university governance. She also outlined the Government’s education reform framework, emphasizing national education goals, foundational literacies, digital and future skills, lifelong learning, flexible pathways, and stronger integration of vocational education. Addressing criticism over a Grade 6 module error, she said the Government had accepted responsibility and corrected it promptly, while urging the Opposition to engage substantively with the reform proposals. Debate: Universities (Amendment) Bill - Second and Third Reading Read →
- 23 January 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva urged the Prime Minister to incorporate FUTA’s proposed safeguards on university governance, including eligibility criteria for Deans, clarification of term limits, due process for removing Deans and Heads, and mandatory departmental consultation for cross-department appointments. He said these changes were intended to protect university autonomy, prevent politicized appointments, and preserve internal democratic practices. He also commended the Prime Minister’s representation of Sri Lanka at Davos. Debate: Universities (Amendment) Bill - Second and Third Reading Read →
- 23 January 2026 The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper raised concerns about the Bill’s provisions on the election and removal of university Deans, arguing that removal powers should include a clear statutory procedure, due process, and preferably a requirement that the Council act on the Board’s recommendation. He referred to the 2015 report on university governance and autonomy, noting that its recommendations had not yet been operationalized. He also argued that education reform must address systemic pressure from examinations and tuition by aligning pathways with labour-market needs, recognizing students’ abilities, and ensuring dignity and social value across all occupations. Debate: Universities (Amendment) Bill - Second and Third Reading Read →
- 23 January 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha - Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning JJB AI summary The Minister said the proposed amendments to the Universities Act aim to improve administrative efficiency and democratic governance in universities, following consultations with university stakeholders. He explained that Deans would be elected from an expanded pool including Senior Lecturers Grade I, while Heads of Departments would continue to be appointed through broader and less subjective processes. He also linked the reforms to wider education policy, emphasizing vocational education, competency-based progression, and skills development as part of building human capital. Debate: Universities (Amendment) Bill - Second and Third Reading Read →
- 23 January 2026 The Hon. Faiszer Musthapha, PC NDF AI summary Hon. Faiszer Musthapha questioned the lowering of qualifications for appointing Deans under the Universities (Amendment) Bill and urged a broader reform approach to higher education. He proposed mandatory service bonds or legal mechanisms requiring beneficiaries of free university education, especially doctors, engineers, specialists and technical graduates, to serve in Sri Lanka for a defined period and return after overseas training. He also called for engagement with destination countries on retaining Sri Lankan professionals, the establishment of reputable private universities to reduce foreign education costs, and increasing education expenditure toward 5 per cent of GDP. Debate: Universities (Amendment) Bill - Second and Third Reading Read →
- 23 January 2026 The Hon. Sujeewa Dissanayake JJB AI summary Hon. Sujeewa Dissanayake supported amendments to the Universities Act, No. 16 of 1978, arguing that the nearly five-decade-old framework must be updated to suit current educational needs. He said the amendments address university governance, particularly appointments to senior academic positions such as Deans and Heads of Departments, to reduce over-concentration of authority in the Vice Chancellor. He contrasted the present government’s mandate with the circumstances under which the 1978 Act was enacted and stated that the changes should serve the long-term interests of students and free education. Debate: Universities (Amendment) Bill - Second and Third Reading Read →
- 23 January 2026 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake supported the Universities (Amendment) Bill as a necessary step toward broader education reform, citing the large gap between students qualified for university entry and those actually admitted. He argued that reforms should address outdated curricula, labour-market mismatch, weak vocational pathways, language and digital gaps, politicization, and graduate unemployment, while strengthening TVET, innovation, entrepreneurship, and human capital development. He welcomed the Government’s continuation of policies such as the IMF programme, open-economy measures, privatization initiatives, and tariff rationalization, but urged reforms to be institutional rather than dependent on individuals. On university governance, he called for democratic checks and balances, including limiting ministerial appointees to university councils to around 40–45 per cent to improve merit-based decision-making. Debate: Universities (Amendment) Bill - Second and Third Reading Read →
- 23 January 2026 The Hon. Ruwan Mapalagama JJB AI summary Hon. Ruwan Mapalagama supported the Universities (Amendment) Bill, arguing that the 1978 Universities Act must be updated to modernize higher education governance, broaden eligibility for senior posts such as Deans, and introduce performance- and skills-based leadership. He said education should be treated as a public investment and an instrument of social transformation, not as a commodity, and linked the reforms to the National People’s Power education policy. He also called for modern post-1948 history, including events such as the rise of the LTTE, Black July, and the burning of the Jaffna Library, to be included in school curricula. Debate: Universities (Amendment) Bill - Second and Third Reading Read →