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- 25 September 2025 The Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan ITAK AI summary Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan raised concerns about inadequate Tamil-medium capacity in around 20 divisions of the Ministry of Education and the omission of Tamil histories and identities in subjects such as History and Art. He asked that decisions on religious subject content, including Hindu symbolic elements such as Nataraja, be made after consultation with relevant university lecturers, external organizations, religious institutions, and Tamil representatives. Standing Order 27(2) Questions and Statement on Na Uyana Tragedy Read →
- 25 September 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education JJB AI summary Curriculum reforms are planned to begin in January 2026 for Grades 1 and 6 and then be introduced progressively to subsequent grades each year. The Prime Minister stated that the reform document will be submitted to Cabinet after review by the relevant Ministerial Consultative Committee and Subcommittee, and that the curriculum will emphasize inclusivity and social plurality. She confirmed that Tamil-speaking members are included in National Institute of Education committees and said the names of those involved, including Tamil-speaking participants, will be provided once collated. Standing Order 27(2) Questions and Statement on Na Uyana Tragedy Read →
- 25 September 2025 The Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan ITAK AI summary Sivagnanam Shritharan raised questions under Standing Order 27(2) to the Prime Minister regarding proposed education curriculum reforms. He expressed concern that the reforms may increase students’ workload, create difficulties in Grade 6 timetabling and subject selection, and exclude Tamil histories, symbols and identities from religious subjects such as Hinduism. He asked when the new curriculum would be implemented, whether a White Paper would be published, and requested details on Tamil-speaking representation in the National Education Commission, National Institute of Education curriculum committees, and the Curriculum Reform Implementation Committee. Standing Order 27(2) Questions and Statement on Na Uyana Tragedy Read →
- 25 September 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education JJB AI summary The Prime Minister presented the 2023 Annual Report of the University of Vavuniya and moved that it be referred to the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Education, Manpower and Human Capital, which was agreed to. She also tabled a note on supplementary allocations from the Development Activities Programme under Expenditure Head No. 240 for August 2025, in terms of Section 6(1) of the Appropriation Act, No. 3 of 2025. Papers Presented Read →
- 24 September 2025 The Hon. Mayilvaganam Jegatheeswaran JJB AI summary Mayilvaganam Jegatheeswaran urged parents and teachers to avoid physical punishment and instead support children with affection, attention to their interests, and fulfilment of legitimate needs. He emphasized the importance of child psychology in understanding children’s emotional, cognitive, and behavioural development, arguing that proper guidance and care are essential for producing mentally healthy and responsible citizens. Debate: Penal Code (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 24 September 2025 The Hon. Mayilvaganam Jegatheeswaran JJB AI summary Hon. Mayilvaganam Jegatheeswaran supported the Penal Code (Amendment) Bill, arguing that physical and psychological punishment of children has long-term effects on their development and can contribute to later harmful behaviour. He highlighted risks faced by children without parental care, children in homes, schools, daycare centres and labour settings, and those affected by social, caste or religious bias. He urged Parliament to support the amendment unanimously and emphasized adults’ responsibility to protect children at every stage of childhood. Debate: Penal Code (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 24 September 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Chamindranee Kiriella, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Chamindranee Kiriella welcomed the Penal Code Amendment Bill prohibiting corporal and humiliating punishment of children, noting Opposition support and citing NCPA complaint figures, including that about 20% of 2025 complaints relate to cruel punishment. She said the Bill appropriately responds to changing social expectations and serious abuses, but raised concerns about ambiguity over “good faith” actions and the undefined scope of non-physical humiliating punishment by parents, teachers, guardians or prefects. She urged clearer drafting, consideration of an Opposition amendment, faster handling of child protection complaints, and training for teachers in positive non-violent discipline methods. Debate: Penal Code (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 24 September 2025 The Hon. Chithral Fernando, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Chithral Fernando welcomed the Penal Code (Amendment) Bill to prevent corporal punishment of children, arguing that it aligns with both international trends and Sri Lanka’s own historical traditions. He emphasized that poverty, overcrowded schools, drug abuse, and social distress contribute to teachers using corporal punishment, and warned that banning it without supporting teachers may not be effective. Citing international research, including examples from Benin, Cameroon, Ethiopia, and South Africa, he argued that legal bans often fail without implementation measures, and tabled the research paper for the House and Library. He urged the Government to consider teacher training and education as part of a constructive approach before or alongside legislation. Debate: Penal Code (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 24 September 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) M.A.C.S. Chathuri Gangani JJB AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) M.A.C.S. Chathuri Gangani supported the Penal Code (Amendment) Bill as a measure to strengthen child protection in line with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, Article 11 of the Constitution, and existing Sri Lankan child welfare frameworks. She cited survey data and National Child Protection Authority complaints to argue that corporal punishment, physical abuse, and psychological abuse remain widespread in homes, schools, and institutions, and noted prior Education Ministry circulars prohibiting corporal punishment in schools. She emphasized that the Bill is not aimed at any single group, including teachers, but seeks to ensure children are disciplined without violence and to protect their rights. She also linked child safety to broader concerns over narcotics and said legal reform should be accompanied by creating a safer social environment for children. Debate: Penal Code (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 24 September 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa – Leader of the Opposition AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa supported protecting children from violence and cruelty, while arguing that children’s rights currently in the non-justiciable Directive Principles of State Policy should be made enforceable by incorporating them into the fundamental rights chapter of the Constitution. He said child protection must include economic and social rights such as nutrition, health, education, and freedom from poverty, questioning whether the IMF programme has improved conditions for vulnerable children and advocating a “humane middle path” between market and statist approaches. He also called for humane guidance and discipline without degrading punishment, and raised concern about narcotics entering schools, including through digital means, as a threat to children’s rights. Debate: Penal Code (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 24 September 2025 The Hon. (Prof.) Sena Nanayakkara JJB AI summary Hon. (Prof.) Sena Nanayakkara supported the Bill to amend Section 308 of the Penal Code, arguing that physical punishment and abuse of children have serious long-term social consequences and must be criminalized even when framed as correction. Citing UN findings, incidents of abuse in care and education settings, and government policy commitments on child protection, he said violence against children is normalized in society and institutions. He urged that the amendment be viewed as a progressive measure to protect children’s welfare and future development. Debate: Penal Code (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 24 September 2025 The Hon. Chanaka Madugoda SLPP AI summary Hon. Chanaka Madugoda argued that schools and families need lawful space for firm, measured corrective discipline, while stressing that abuse and harmful conduct, including incidents linked to tuition classes, must be taken seriously. He then raised constituency concerns, urging the Government to strengthen the Cinnamon Development Department’s regional and field capacity to support cinnamon growers in Galle. He also requested the Ministers of Sports and Education to resolve the job security, classification, assessment, and career progression issues faced by school sports coaches. Debate: Penal Code (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 24 September 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi - Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs JJB AI summary Minister Hiniduma Sunil Senevi supported the amendments proposed by Hon. Saroja Savitri Paulraj, describing them as a progressive step in protecting children from physical and psychological punishment. He linked the Bill to education reforms, arguing that parents, teachers, wardens, prefects and student leaders must move away from punitive discipline and be trained in constructive approaches. Citing examples from cinema and the situation of children with disabilities, he stressed that childhood trauma can have long-term social and psychological consequences, and said the law should reflect a genuine commitment to safeguarding children. Debate: Penal Code (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 24 September 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake - Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation and Leader of the House of Parliament JJB AI summary Bimal Rathnayake supported the Bill as a modern response to physical, emotional, and public forms of harm against children, arguing that corporal punishment and humiliating language by adults can cause lasting psychological damage. He rejected fear-based objections, cited international moves away from corporal punishment, and said the measure should be aligned with forthcoming Code of Criminal Procedure amendments before passage. He also highlighted cyberbullying and public shaming as contemporary harms the law must address, and proposed that MPs view the film Taare Zameen Par to better understand children’s experiences. Debate: Penal Code (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 24 September 2025 The Hon. Ajith P. Perera SJB AI summary Ajith P. Perera supported the prohibition of corporal punishment but argued that the Bill’s clause criminalizing non-physical acts likely to cause “humiliation however light” is overly broad and undefined. He warned that teachers, parents, prefects and school authorities could face police complaints, arrests or employment consequences for ordinary disciplinary remarks or actions. He proposed a Committee Stage amendment introducing a bona fide or good-faith protection, so courts and police can distinguish legitimate discipline from harmful conduct. Debate: Penal Code (Amendment) Bill - Second Reading Read →
- 24 September 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa - Minister of Health and Mass Media, Acting Minister of Justice and National Integration, and Chief Government Whip JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa presented the 2023 Annual Report of the University of Ruhuna on behalf of the Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education. He moved that the report be referred to the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Education, Labour and Human Resources Advancement, and the motion was agreed to. Papers Presented: University Reports and Government Documents Read →
- 23 September 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa - Minister of Health and Mass Media and Chief Government Whip JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa noted that while no students passed the relevant examination the previous year, the latest results showed 140 out of 225 candidates passing, around 63 percent, which did not indicate the same level of concern. He stated that the Ministry would refer the matter to the Council of Legal Education and allow it to decide on any further action. Adjournment Motion: Law College Special Entrance Examination Read →
- 23 September 2025 The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC, raised a point concerning the possible role of the Department of Examinations. The extract is incomplete, so the specific proposal, question, or context of the intervention cannot be determined from the provided text. Adjournment Motion: Law College Special Entrance Examination Read →
- 23 September 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa - Minister of Health and Mass Media and Chief Government Whip JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa said professional bodies such as the Council of Legal Education and the Sri Lanka Medical Council must retain authority to set standards, and ministerial intervention could undermine professional quality. Referring to the 2023 Extraordinary Gazette and the special examination for foreign law graduates, he noted that 140 of 225 candidates passed in 2025, making it difficult to argue that the examination itself was inherently flawed. He said the concerns of about 20 students who failed the Law of Contracts paper should be considered by the Council of Legal Education, chaired by the Chief Justice, rather than by ministries or the Department of Examinations, so that any relief is granted without setting an improper precedent. Adjournment Motion: Law College Special Entrance Examination Read →
- 23 September 2025 The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper explained that admissions through the Special Law Entrance Examination are governed by Rule 12(c) of Gazette No. 2332/02, with the Incorporated Council for Legal Education determining cut-off marks and admissions based on merit and vacancies. He stated that candidates alleging issues with the Contract paper should petition the Council, which may obtain a report from the Department of Examinations and consider relief, including a revised cut-off if justified. He emphasized that neither Parliament nor the Minister of Justice controls Law College admissions, citing a past misconception during Hon. Rauff Hakeem’s tenure as Minister. Adjournment Motion: Law College Special Entrance Examination Read →