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- 22 January 2026 The Hon. Ruwan Wijeweera JJB AI summary Hon. Ruwan Wijeweera concluded by endorsing the Prime Minister’s stated education reform objectives, quoting her remarks in The Island on 20 January 2026. He expressed confidence that, as Minister of Education, she would implement reforms aimed at producing intelligent, civic-minded citizens who uphold democratic values and live dignified lives. Adjournment Debate: Comprehensive Educational Transformation Process Read →
- 22 January 2026 The Hon. Ruwan Wijeweera JJB AI summary Hon. Ruwan Wijeweera criticized the Opposition’s handling of discussions on the stone industry, saying claims about the absence of history or aesthetic value were not based on genuine intellectual debate. He supported the inclusion of transversal skill subjects such as literature appreciation from Grade 6, media studies, service sector studies, and global studies, arguing that these should not be rejected. He expressed disappointment, drawing on his experience as a former principal and teacher, at what he described as opposition-led campaigns against these education-related proposals. Adjournment Debate: Comprehensive Educational Transformation Process Read →
- 22 January 2026 Hon. Ruwan Wijeweera JJB AI summary Hon. Ruwan Wijeweera argued that education reform is needed to move away from exam-centred, teacher-centred and theory-heavy practices toward producing 21st-century citizens with learning, literacy, life, character and citizenship skills. He outlined Grade 6–9 curriculum reforms comprising 14 modules and about 35 credits, including languages, ICT, information literacy, AI-related data analysis, entrepreneurship and financial literacy, electives and transversal skills. He also stated that an inappropriate web link in reform materials had been acknowledged, removed and corrected, and said the reforms aim to align learning with global needs. Adjournment Debate: Comprehensive Educational Transformation Process Read →
- 22 January 2026 Hon. Sajith Premadasa — Leader of the Opposition AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa argued that proposed education reforms lack the proper Westminster-style process of Green and White Papers, public consultation, and detailed planning. He said the reforms do not adequately address structural issues such as examinations, school disparities, teacher training, resources, administration, and technology readiness, and warned against reforms benefiting elite schools while burdening parents and undermining free education. He called for equitable, modernized reforms that include early ICT education, emerging technologies, and recognition of free education as a fundamental right. Adjournment Debate: Comprehensive Educational Transformation Process Read →
- 22 January 2026 Hon. R.M. Samantha Ranasinghe JJB AI summary Hon. R.M. Samantha Ranasinghe argued that Sri Lanka’s free education system needs modernization to align with economic needs and technology, while rejecting claims that reforms would increase inequity. He said the Government is working to professionalize education personnel through measures such as the nearly completed Teacher Council and is reassessing around 10,000 schools, particularly those with low enrolment, poor facilities, or disaster-related needs. He stated that reforms have not been halted but are being corrected and continued as part of national renewal. Adjournment Debate: Comprehensive Educational Transformation Process Read →
- 22 January 2026 Hon. Mujibur Rahuman SJB AI summary Hon. Mujibur Rahuman said the SJB supports education reforms and a technology-integrated, student-centred curriculum, but argued that the Grade 6 rollout should not proceed until practical deficiencies are addressed. He cited the President’s postponement to 2027, pointing to content errors, incomplete teacher training, teacher vacancies, lack of teachers’ guides, and inadequate smart boards, devices, and internet connectivity, particularly in disadvantaged schools. He questioned how students would learn in the first term if equipment was only expected later, called for accountability over Rs. 5,000 million already spent and issues noted by the Auditor General regarding the reform roadmap, and urged equitable preparation before implementation. Adjournment Debate: Comprehensive Educational Transformation Process Read →
- 22 January 2026 Hon. (Mrs.) Samanmali Gunasingha JJB AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) Samanmali Gunasingha seconded the proposal and emphasized human development as a key pillar of the Government’s reform agenda, stating that education reforms were shaped through broad consultations and must continue through informed debate. She focused on teacher development, noting that teacher education curricula have not been updated for 16 years and calling for modernization, digital and smart-classroom training, improved facilities, and psychosocial support. She cited several 2026 Budget allocations for teacher colleges, the NIE, technology education, facilities, and capacity development, and urged critics to engage constructively rather than spread personal attacks against the Prime Minister and Education Minister. Adjournment Debate: Comprehensive Educational Transformation Process Read →
- 22 January 2026 Hon. Sunil Rajapaksha JJB AI summary Hon. Sunil Rajapaksha supported the Ministry of Education’s proposed transformation of general education from 2026, arguing that Sri Lanka’s current exam-centric and outdated system does not meet national, social, or economic needs and has deep resource disparities. He called for reforms covering curriculum, teaching methods, technology, human and physical resources, school management, administration, community participation, and assessment methods. He urged Parliament to counter misinformation about the reforms and unite behind an education system focused on lifelong learning, innovation, equity, sustainability, and social responsibility. Adjournment Debate: Comprehensive Educational Transformation Process Read →
- 22 January 2026 The Hon. Nalin Hewage JJB AI summary Hon. Nalin Hewage said the Government accepts the need to expand education and vocational training, noting that Gampaha Technical College has begun morning and evening sessions to increase intake and that similar expansion is planned under a programme up to 2029. He stated that a proposed site had been deemed unsuitable by the relevant institutions and rejected under the previous Government, based on a 2023 committee report appointed by the then Minister of Education. He urged that the matter not be used for local politics and asked that the committee report be shared with the local community. Oral Question: Buildings Housing NAITA District Office and Training Centres of Trincomalee - Lease (Q. 1555/2025) Read →
- 22 January 2026 The Hon. Imran Maharoof SJB AI summary Hon. Imran Maharoof raised concerns about a land handover in Kinniya for tourism, noting public confusion in Trincomalee about whether tourism development may be linked to increased Israeli arrivals, especially following the Deputy Minister’s visit to Israel. He said elephant movements affect much of the district, including areas with educational institutions, and urged the Government to address the difficulties faced by students. He requested that any error in the land decision be corrected and that the possibility of continuing educational activities at the site be examined. Oral Question: Buildings Housing NAITA District Office and Training Centres of Trincomalee - Lease (Q. 1555/2025) Read →
- 22 January 2026 The Hon. Nalin Hewage JJB AI summary Hon. Nalin Hewage disputed the reported cost of a proposed University College of Technology project, stating that Rs. 434 million had been allocated and Rs. 11 million spent on construction. He said institutional assessments, including by UNIVOTEC, NIBM, DTET, NAITA and VTA, found the site unsuitable, while the Department of Wildlife Conservation identified it as an elephant corridor. He argued that the project had been politically driven without proper feasibility studies and had already been halted in 2023 under the previous administration, not by the current government. Oral Question: Buildings Housing NAITA District Office and Training Centres of Trincomalee - Lease (Q. 1555/2025) Read →
- 22 January 2026 The Hon. Imran Maharoof SJB AI summary Hon. Imran Maharoof raised concerns about a University College project begun in 2018 with Rs. 50 million, noting a reported Cabinet decision of 10 December 2025 to allocate the site to the tourism sector. He asked why the location could not instead be used for educational institutions such as NAITA and VTA, which currently operate in rented premises, while any tourism activities could use other available land. He urged the Government to consider restarting vocational and educational activities at the site to support students who are unable to enter university. Oral Question: Buildings Housing NAITA District Office and Training Centres of Trincomalee - Lease (Q. 1555/2025) Read →
- 22 January 2026 The Hon. Imran Maharoof SJB AI summary Asked about NAITA facilities in Trincomalee and Kinniya, details were provided that both currently operate from privately leased buildings, with monthly rents of Rs. 100,000 and Rs. 44,000 respectively, and have done so since shortly after NAITA’s establishment in 1990. The response listed the vocational and NVQ training courses conducted in 2025 and stated that NAITA expects to move these centres to government premises within about two years. It also noted awareness of a 13-acre Kinniya land allocation and Rs. 50 million budget provision in 2018 for a now-abandoned University College building, with relocation to be considered in that context. Oral Question: Buildings Housing NAITA District Office and Training Centres of Trincomalee - Lease (Q. 1555/2025) Read →
- 22 January 2026 The Hon. Madhura Senevirathna - Deputy Minister of Education and Higher Education JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister, replying on behalf of the Education Minister, stated that there were 3,152 vacancies across Grades I–III of the Sri Lanka Principals’ Service as at 31 August 2025, while 2,494 non-SLPS officers were covering duties and 1,677 principals would be aged 57 by 30 September 2025. He said recruitment must follow the SLPS Service Minute through competitive examination and interview, and that a Gazette notification for new recruitment would be published within two weeks after PSC non-concurrence with an alternative proposal. He also said a proposed Education Council would address recruitment and promotion matters across education services, and that principals’ salary anomalies would be referred to the National Pay Commission within a broader framework. Oral Question Reply: Officers of Sri Lanka Principals' Service Read →
- 22 January 2026 The Hon. Upul Kithsiri JJB AI summary Hon. Upul Kithsiri raised concerns over significant vacancies in the Sri Lanka Principals’ Service, noting existing and prospective shortages due to retirements and officers covering duties outside the service. He asked whether younger officers could be recruited in greater numbers to Grade III and whether the process of filling vacancies could be expedited. He also sought action to address salary anomalies faced by senior teachers entering Principals’ Service Grade III, including possible interim payments until recalculations are completed. Oral Question: Officers of Sri Lanka Principals' Service - Details (Q. 1348/2025) Read →
- 22 January 2026 The Hon. Sugath Wasantha de Silva JJB AI summary Hon. Sugath Wasantha de Silva proposed that universities establish specialized units to provide accessible content conversion and modern assistive technology, staffed by qualified personnel. He argued that disability support should be framed through a social rather than solely medical model and asked whether admissions for students with disabilities would be expanded through defined ratios or other mechanisms. Oral Question Supplementary: Disabled Students at State Universities Read →
- 22 January 2026 The Hon. Madhura Senevirathna - Deputy Minister of Education and Higher Education JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Madhura Senevirathna, replying on behalf of the Prime Minister and Minister of Education, said disabled students are currently admitted to selected university programmes, with facilities such as Braille and enlarged materials, screen-reading support, voice typing, extra examination time, scribes, accessible seating and library assistance. He stated that the UGC has approved a new policy to allow students with disabilities to enter any first degree programme, with Rs. 200 million planned to expand facilities from four to five universities and further Budget provisions expected in 2026. He added that proposals are being prepared to establish dedicated disability support centres in universities and to expand admissions beyond existing programme clusters to areas including Science and Medicine. Oral Question: Disabled Students Studying at State Universities - Facilities (Q. 1323/2025) Read →
- 21 January 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Madhura Senevirathna - Deputy Minister of Education and Higher Education JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Madhura Senevirathna said the 8561 cyclone affected over 2.2 million people and identified poor land-use planning, settlements on steep slopes and blocked natural water flows as key causes of landslide risk, pledging that resettlement and rebuilding would follow proper land-use plans. He stated that the Government had a Rs. 500 billion disaster recovery cash buffer and outlined education-sector impacts, including 1,682 affected schools, 822,000 students and 48,700 staff, with measures such as student grants, temporary learning arrangements, relaxed uniform rules, digital lessons through e-Thaksalawa and revised academic schedules. He said longer-term plans include reconstruction of 101 schools, intensive development of 36 severely damaged schools, repairs to 30 TVET institutions and assistance to higher education facilities, including the University of Peradeniya. He also noted student contributions to relief and cleanup efforts and said the Examinations Department ensured examination materials were protected and exams continued without incident. Adjournment Debate: Post-Cyclone "Ditwah" Situation (Part 2) Read →
- 21 January 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Sellaththamby Thilaganathan JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Sellaththamby Thilaganathan referred to the damage caused by the “Ditva” cyclone, thanked government officials and the armed forces for rescue work, and noted the deaths of five Navy personnel during rescue operations near Mullaitivu. He said the Northern Province continues to face long-standing challenges and focused on the deterioration of education standards, alleging poor administration and inequitable distribution of resources despite support from the President and Prime Minister. He criticized teacher transfer arrangements in the Vanni, stating that many replacement teachers failed to report and that vulnerable students were affected, and called for responsible officials to be removed and competent officials appointed to improve education and economic development in the North. Adjournment Debate: Post-Cyclone "Ditwah" Situation (Part 2) Read →
- 21 January 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Madhura Senevirathna JJB AI summary On behalf of the Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, the answer stated that Rs. 1,757.38 million had been spent on “Nearest School—the Best School” projects in the Matara District, with 365 projects completed and 8 ongoing, expected to finish in the first quarter of 2026. It also explained that delays relating to official quarters were due to an FR 104 inquiry into stolen items, and that recoveries from the contractor’s retention and rectification of defects would be carried out in line with the inquiry recommendations, with the buildings planned for use in 2026. Second Round of Oral Questions and Standing Order clarification Read →