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- 21 May 2026 The Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam ACTC AI summary Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam argued that while the regulations and appropriation resolutions aim to stabilize the economy, the Northern Province requires structural interventions, particularly in education, given its low GDP contribution. He alleged that the Northern Provincial authorities under the Governor have arbitrarily transferred 193 teachers under “exigencies of service” without meeting legal criteria or consulting unions, citing provisions in the Establishments Code and provincial procedural regulations. He further claimed that appeals and transfer decisions were politically influenced, discriminatory and vindictive, affecting teachers in areas such as the Island Zone and Vadamarachchi East and harming students’ access to education. He urged the Government and President, under whose authority the Governor falls, to end arbitrary and discriminatory practices in Northern education if they are serious about developing the province. Main Business: Debate on Regulations under Imports and Exports (Control) Act and Appropriation Act Resolutions Read →
- 21 May 2026 The Hon. Nalin Hewage JJB AI summary Hon. Nalin Hewage said the Government intends to strengthen schools close to children’s homes to reduce long-distance travel, citing cases of students travelling 60-70 km for education. He stated that around Rs. 1,700 crore has been allocated to state education over the last two Budgets and that these funds will be used to develop village schools with adequate physical and human resources. He also noted plans to consolidate or merge schools where appropriate to create a stronger local school system. Oral Question Q.1371/2025: Suraksha Student Insurance Scheme Read →
- 21 May 2026 The Hon. (Mrs.) Chamindranee Kiriella, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Chamindranee Kiriella asked the Minister for details on the Government’s policy commitment to establish a government primary school within three kilometres of every child’s home. She specifically sought the approximate number of such new schools that had been started. Oral Question Q.1371/2025: Suraksha Student Insurance Scheme Read →
- 21 May 2026 The Hon. Nalin Hewage JJB AI summary Student insurance was described as a beneficial scheme that provides relief to students, while acknowledging that it has shortcomings. The Ministry of Education is studying the issue and intends to submit a special Cabinet Paper, during which members’ suggestions may be considered. Oral Question Q.1371/2025: Suraksha Student Insurance Scheme Read →
- 21 May 2026 The Hon. (Mrs.) Chamindranee Kiriella, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Welcomed the continuation of the Suraksha student insurance scheme introduced in 2017, while urging that it be updated to meet current needs. She raised concerns about delays in claims caused by the requirement for principals’ signatures and proposed a fixed time limit for processing. She also requested an increase in the annual outpatient medicine allowance, arguing that the current Rs. 20,000 limit is inadequate given higher medicine prices. Oral Question Q.1371/2025: Suraksha Student Insurance Scheme Read →
- 21 May 2026 The Hon. Nalin Hewage JJB AI summary On behalf of the Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, Nalin Hewage provided details on the Suraksha Student Insurance Scheme, launched on 1 October 2017 to support students facing illness, accidents or disabilities and improve access to treatment and school attendance. He set out annual beneficiary numbers, identified the contracted insurers for each period, and noted that the scheme was not in operation from 2 December 2022 to 30 June 2024. He stated that the current scheme will run until 31 August 2027 and that the Government intends to continue the insurance mechanism in future years to benefit more schoolchildren. Oral Question Q.1371/2025: Suraksha Student Insurance Scheme Read →
- 21 May 2026 The Hon. (Mrs.) Chamindranee Kiriella, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary The member asked the Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education for details on the Suraksha Student Insurance Scheme. She sought information on its commencement date, original objectives, annual numbers of student beneficiaries, the implementing insurance company, and the Government’s current position on continuing or managing the scheme. Oral Question Q.1371/2025: Suraksha Student Insurance Scheme Read →
- 21 May 2026 The Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe SLMC AI summary Around 600 teachers are serving as acting In-Service Advisers across about 100 education zones, carrying out curriculum support, teacher training, supervision, materials development, performance improvement work, paper-setting, and organizing competitions. The member asked whether the Government will make these acting ISAs permanent. Oral Question Q.1303/2025: Acting Teacher Advisers and Resource Persons in Eastern Province Read →
- 21 May 2026 The Hon. Nalin Hewage - Deputy Minister of Vocational Education JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister of Vocational Education stated that action is being taken to address recruitment, with the Department of Management Services already informed. He said a new call will be arranged for those not included in the previous intake, enabling them to apply and be recruited through the proper process. Oral Question Q.1303/2025: Acting Teacher Advisers and Resource Persons in Eastern Province Read →
- 21 May 2026 The Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe SLMC AI summary M.S. Uthumalebbe asked the Deputy Minister whether the Ministry would absorb and regularize more than 4,000 teachers currently serving temporarily as In-Service Advisers. He noted that the ISA Service Minute, gazetted in 2020 and later amended, provides for recruitment through a written examination but that the Government had previously absorbed temporary ISAs in 2020 to recognize their service and avoid adverse effects. Oral Question Q.1303/2025: Acting Teacher Advisers and Resource Persons in Eastern Province Read →
- 21 May 2026 The Hon. Nalin Hewage - Deputy Minister of Vocational Education JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister, responding on behalf of the Prime Minister and Education Minister, said lists of officers serving on an acting or covering basis as In-Service Advisers and “Resource Persons” in national and provincial schools had been tabled as annexes and placed in the Library. He stated that officers previously serving in ISA roles were given an opportunity to be absorbed into the new ISA Service, with those not assuming duties by 15 February 2025 to be reverted to the Teacher Service by provincial authorities. Approval has been sought from the Department of Management Services to Gazette new recruitment to the ISA Service, and he clarified that “Resource Person” is not a recognized post under the ISA Service Minute, so no direct appointments or confirmations can be made to such a position. Oral Question Q.1303/2025: Acting Teacher Advisers and Resource Persons in Eastern Province Read →
- 21 May 2026 The Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe SLMC AI summary Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe asked the Prime Minister and Minister of Education to provide details of officers in Eastern Province education zones serving as Acting In-Service Advisers and Resource Persons. He sought separate lists of names based on appointments made by the Provincial Education Ministry Secretary, the Provincial Director of Education, and Zonal Directors, and asked whether long-serving acting appointees would be confirmed in those posts. Oral Question Q.1303/2025: Acting Teacher Advisers and Resource Persons in Eastern Province Read →
- 20 May 2026 The Hon. Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan DTNA AI summary Hon. Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan warned that continued neglect of education in the Vanni could lead to unrest. He urged attention to the region’s educational needs before concluding his remarks. Adjournment Debate: Central Bank Annual Economic Review 2025 Read →
- 20 May 2026 The Hon. Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan DTNA AI summary Hon. Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan recalled the suffering of civilians during the final phase of the war at Mullivaikkal and said affected families continue to seek justice without adequate relief. He urged the Government to prioritize establishing university campuses in Mullaitivu and Mannar, citing stalled plans for a Jaffna University campus in Mullaitivu and the need to improve education in war-affected Vanni areas. He also raised environmental and public health concerns in Mannar villages, calling for a ban on the use of poultry offal as fertilizer and action against a canned fish factory allegedly contaminating water sources. He warned that continued neglect of teacher shortages in the Vanni, particularly in science and mathematics, could lead to public agitation unless the Northern Provincial Education Department and Government intervene. Adjournment Debate: Central Bank Annual Economic Review 2025 Read →
- 20 May 2026 The Hon. Nalin Hewage JJB AI summary Nalin Hewage stated that planned education reforms for Grades 1 and 6 in 2026 were postponed by one year due to controversy and alleged misinformation raised by the Opposition, including claims about the Dharmachakra in the reforms. He said the Government and Ministry decided not to proceed in a sensitive area such as education while any concerns remained, and attributed responsibility for the delay and its impact on children to the Opposition and the Leader of the Opposition. Oral Answers to Questions (Q.1-Q.7) Read →
- 20 May 2026 The Hon. Susantha Kumara Nawarathna JJB AI summary Asked about the delayed Grade 6 education reforms, noting that reforms had been planned for Grades 1 and 6 but Grade 6 implementation did not begin amid opposition objections. He requested details on current preparations for Grade 6 and the expected start date. Oral Answers to Questions (Q.1-Q.7) Read →
- 20 May 2026 The Hon. Nalin Hewage - Deputy Minister of Vocational Education JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Nalin Hewage said the Government has increased allocations for education-related physical resource development from 1.8% of GDP in the 2024 Budget to 1.9% in its first Budget and 2.04% in its second. He stated that additional funds have been provided to schools for facilities, that school consolidation is ongoing, and that several schools will be designated as specialized schools this year with earmarked development funding. Oral Answers to Questions (Q.1-Q.7) Read →
- 20 May 2026 The Hon. Susantha Kumara Nawarathna JJB AI summary Hon. Susantha Kumara Nawarathna asked whether, in the context of planned education reforms prioritizing primary schools this year and next, the Government has identified specific schools at district or zonal level for addressing shortcomings. He specifically queried whether lists have been prepared, including at least one school per division. Oral Answers to Questions (Q.1-Q.7) Read →
- 19 May 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education JJB AI summary The Prime Minister responded to a question on WP/Ho/Paragoda Kithulagoda Junior School, stating that no decision has been taken to close the school, which was established on 31 July 1939. She provided annual student numbers from 2015 to 2025, showing a decline to 43 students in 2025, and noted that the School Development Society has decided to take steps to increase enrolment. She said the school is in a high flood-risk area but is not submerged due to its elevated location, though access roads can be flooded, and it currently functions as a disaster relief centre; nearby alternative schools were also identified if student transfers become necessary. Written Answers to Questions Read →
- 19 May 2026 The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB AI summary Ajith P. Perera asked the Prime Minister and Minister of Education for details on the reported closure of Paragoda, Kithulagoda Kanishta Vidyalaya in the Bulathsinhala Division of Kalutara District. He sought information on the school’s establishment year, annual student numbers from 2015 to 2025, distances to nearby schools, consideration of travel difficulties including floods, the School Development Society’s decision, and whether the Government will reopen the school. Written Answers to Questions Read →