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- 10 October 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa sought the Speaker’s permission to briefly present a statement attributed to the President about establishing “a school every three kilometres.” The intervention appears to be aimed at placing the President’s words on record in relation to education policy or commitments. Oral Questions and Government Answers (Questions 342/2024, 7/561/2025, 9/984/2025, 10/1120/2025, 8/625/2025) Read →
- 10 October 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa clarified that a reference to having a school within a maximum distance of three kilometres should not be interpreted as constructing schools at three-kilometre intervals. He stated that the Prime Minister, in her capacity as Minister of Education, would respond in the following sitting week to questions raised by the Leader of the Opposition. Oral Questions and Government Answers (Questions 342/2024, 7/561/2025, 9/984/2025, 10/1120/2025, 8/625/2025) Read →
- 10 October 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa raised a Private Notice question under Standing Order 27(2) seeking government responses on unresolved issues in the education sector, including university academic vacancies, staff recruitment, salary anomalies, facilities, and the migration of academics. He requested data and policy explanations on reported school closures, education reforms including the status of History and Aesthetics subjects, and promised teacher salary increases, difficult area allowances, and Guru Setha loan interest reductions. He also sought specific timelines for recruiting Central Province teacher examination candidates and implementing the settlement to absorb Development Officers who served as teachers into the teacher service. Oral Questions and Government Answers (Questions 342/2024, 7/561/2025, 9/984/2025, 10/1120/2025, 8/625/2025) Read →
- 9 October 2025 The Hon. K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna - Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure JJB AI summary The Minister rejected claims that trade unions had undermined the plantation collective agreement, stating that negotiations with employers were continuing to secure a livable income for workers and that the government would take necessary measures. He highlighted increases in education and welfare allowances, including Mahapola, student stipends, Grade 5 scholarship support, vocational training payments, and assistance for low-income and vulnerable children. He also noted expanded fertilizer support, including raising the general subsidy to Rs. 25,000 and providing coconut fertilizer at a reduced price following a 55,000 MT shipment. Adjournment Debate: Implementation of Manifesto - Continued Discussion Read →
- 9 October 2025 The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe JJB AI summary Mahinda Jayasinghe sought clarification on the meaning of “two-thirds” and urged that the debate not be prolonged. He said the Government would move quickly to bring legislation establishing the Education Council, using it as the mechanism to professionalize the education service and reduce anomalies. Adjournment Debate: Implementation of Manifesto - Multiple Speakers Read →
- 9 October 2025 The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe - Deputy Minister of Labour JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Mahinda Jayasinghe rejected a Member’s claim on pensions, stating that pension adjustments planned from 2020 after the 2016–2020 wage increases were halted by the Gotabaya Rajapaksa Government. He said the current Government will align pensions by 1 January 2027 for those retiring during the present three wage-adjustment phases, while phasing adjustments for 2016–2018 retirees between July 2025 and July 2027. He also stated that an Education Council chaired by the Prime Minister has been established and that a committee report led by Prof. S.T. Dayaratne will be presented, with the aim of professionalizing the teaching service, removing anomalies, and improving standards. Adjournment Debate: Implementation of Manifesto - Multiple Speakers Read →
- 9 October 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Madhura Senevirathna - Deputy Minister of Education and Higher Education JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister tabled a written answer detailing provision for special and inclusive education, including 27 government-assisted special schools, 879 schools with special education units, teacher numbers, and vacancies of 49 in special schools and 325 in special education units. He stated that circulars and ministry letters have instructed authorities to reassign teachers appointed for special education but deployed elsewhere, and that training is conducted through the NIE, Open University, Ministry, provincial departments and zonal offices. The response also outlined recent circulars, guidelines, curriculum adaptation, Universal Design for Learning measures, infrastructure improvements, and ongoing workshops aimed at strengthening inclusive education. Oral Question 4: Special Schools and Standing Order 27(2) Questions Read →
- 8 October 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa criticised the Government for failing to deliver promised relief to SMEs, including abolition of parate execution and restructuring or waiver of accumulated debt, citing widespread business closures and a specific case of excessive bank repayment demands. He also urged action against unregistered online lending operations and unlawful leasing repossessions, calling for stronger enforcement and lawful procedures. He further called for protection of the National Police Commission’s independence and said education reforms toward STEAM, robotics and AI should be accompanied by making History a core subject to preserve heritage and identity. Debate: Supplementary Sum - Head 117 - Programme 02 (Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation) Read →
- 8 October 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya said the Supplementary Allocation for the Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation was a reallocation of already-appropriated funds to conclude or redirect stalled projects, reflecting improved financial management and transparency. She linked weaknesses in past project selection and management to the economic crisis and argued that the Ministry should become more people-centred, efficient, and responsive. She highlighted the need to improve public and school transport, road access to remote schools, safety and quality standards, accessibility for children, women, elders, and persons with disabilities, and better facilities at stations and on trains. Debate: Supplementary Sum - Head 117 - Programme 02 (Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation) Read →
- 8 October 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education JJB AI summary Free education was defended as a right, while the need to foster responsibility and public service among students through the education system was emphasized rather than relying only on laws or contracts. The Prime Minister said the Government is working to expand access through State institutions, vocational and professional education, and broader higher education opportunities. She also noted that strengthening the economy and society is necessary to retain graduates who might otherwise leave for better opportunities abroad. Ministry Statements: Brain Drain, Kankesanthurai Port, Government Translators Service Read →
- 8 October 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Ravi Karunanayake thanked the Prime Minister for the response and highlighted that while about 173,000 students pass the A/Ls, only around 53,000 enter State universities, leaving about 120,000 without State-funded higher education opportunities. He asked whether graduates who benefit from free university education could be linked to some form of contributory service to the country, particularly where they later leave Sri Lanka for opportunities abroad, noting that taxpayers fund their education. Ministry Statements: Brain Drain, Kankesanthurai Port, Government Translators Service Read →
- 8 October 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education JJB AI summary Responding to a Standing Order 27(2) question by Hon. Ravi Karunanayake, the Prime Minister stated that the Government does not maintain data on public university graduates who leave the country within a year of graduation and has no restrictions, contracts, or service obligations requiring graduates to remain in Sri Lanka. She said there is no policy or proposal to recover the cost of free education or Mahapola assistance from graduates who migrate or work abroad. She emphasized that free education is treated as a right funded through general taxation, not as a transaction requiring individual monetary repayment, and that its benefits may accrue to society in various ways, including remittances. Ministry Statements: Brain Drain, Kankesanthurai Port, Government Translators Service Read →
- 8 October 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya stated that the Government’s policy is to gradually ensure all teachers are graduates by making National Colleges of Education degree-awarding institutions. She noted that Kuliyapitiya NCoE is already the first to confer degrees and that the remaining 19 institutions will be progressively upgraded with improved facilities and staff. She emphasized that degree awarding requires quality assurance and careful planning, given the role of teacher training in shaping future generations. Oral Question: Children of Incarcerated Mothers Read →
- 8 October 2025 The Hon. Darmapriya Wijesinghe JJB AI summary Darmapriya Wijesinghe raised a follow-up question on the recent teachers’ struggle and the demand for improved salary scales, noting the Government’s policy commitment to place the teaching service among the top 10 service grades. He asked whether National Colleges of Education would be upgraded to award degrees, so that diploma-holding teachers would have the qualifications needed for promotion to higher grades. Oral Question: Children of Incarcerated Mothers Read →
- 8 October 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya JJB AI summary The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya stated that both curricula and institutional procedures in teacher education require updating. She said curricula have been reviewed to align with current education reforms, and that NCoE lecturers and administrations are being engaged to implement further reforms this year and next. Oral Question: Children of Incarcerated Mothers Read →
- 8 October 2025 The Hon. Darmapriya Wijesinghe JJB AI summary Hon. Darmapriya Wijesinghe raised a supplementary question on the National Colleges of Education system, arguing that its existing rules and traditions are outdated and restrictive for students after A/Ls. He asked whether the Ministry would create a freer, more modern academic environment within NCoEs to support the development of suitable future teachers. Oral Question: Children of Incarcerated Mothers Read →
- 8 October 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya provided answers on the status of National Colleges of Education, stating that there are 20 NCoEs and tabling an annex listing their courses and revised programme titles. She explained that COVID-19 closures, use of NCoEs as treatment and quarantine centres, and resulting damage and delays led to overlapping cohorts and insufficient physical resources for a 2025 intake. She said admissions for the 2023 and 2024 A/L cohorts are expected in January/February 2026 after Gazette amendments and IT system updates align selections with curriculum reforms. Oral Question: Children of Incarcerated Mothers Read →
- 8 October 2025 The Hon. Darmapriya Wijesinghe JJB AI summary Hon. Darmapriya Wijesinghe asked the Prime Minister for details on National Colleges of Education as a pathway for teacher recruitment, including the number of colleges, their names, and the courses offered. He also sought clarification on the G.C.E. (A/L) year used for the most recent intake, whether recruitment based on the 2023 A/L results has been delayed, and, if so, when it will take place. Oral Question: Children of Incarcerated Mothers Read →
- 8 October 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Hasara Liyanage, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) Hasara Liyanage asked for assurance that future progressive reforms will protect the rights of all children, regardless of their place of birth or upbringing. She linked the question to the Government’s first Budget, which she said aimed to prevent exclusion or stigmatization and to ensure children’s access to rights such as education and health. Oral Question: Children of Incarcerated Mothers Read →
- 8 October 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education JJB AI summary From January to August 2025, 425 women were serving prison sentences and 4,686 women were on remand, with 38 children living with incarcerated mothers. The Prime Minister stated that separate child-care centres operate in women’s prison sections for children under five, with arrangements for food, early childhood education, welfare support, and donations. She said Government measures include funding development work at the Welikada women’s section child-care centre, providing trained early childhood advisers, amending Prison Regulations to ensure nutritious food, renovating existing centres, and following up on the education and health of children transferred to guardians after age five. Oral Question: Children of Incarcerated Mothers Read →