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- 19 August 2025 The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper raised concerns about alleged discrimination and neglect affecting Tamil-speaking and minority youth, particularly in the North, East, and up-country Tamil communities, in youth programmes, appointments, promotions, and training opportunities. He questioned participation of Tamil-speaking youth in a recent Maharagama youth event and asked what plans exist for unemployed youth in the North and East, citing high youth unemployment and NEET figures alongside World Bank funding for job creation. He said India-supported projects and Budget commitments for 2024–2025 had not been implemented and urged the Government to inspect and remedy deficiencies at the dilapidated Sainthamaruthu Youth Centre. Adjournment Motion: Youth Engagement for Sustainable Development Goals Read →
- 19 August 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Hon. Ramanathan Archchuna supported the Motion on youth but said decades of conflict had damaged the prospects of Tamil, Sinhala and Muslim youth. He opposed moves to revert or remove Development Officers who had been converted to teacher appointments after years of service, citing earlier assurances that youth livelihoods and teacher shortages would be addressed. He called for any biometric attendance system to be applied uniformly across public institutions, including Parliament and the health sector, and urged legislation if necessary. He also demanded action to enable reliable online payment systems such as PayPal and Payoneer for Sri Lankan youth engaged in exports, while cautioning against politically motivated protests and urging the Government not to break promises made to voters. Adjournment Motion: Youth Engagement for Sustainable Development Goals Read →
- 19 August 2025 The Hon. Danushka Ranganath JJB AI summary Danushka Ranganath moved an Adjournment Motion on ensuring youth engagement for the Sustainable Development Goals, following International Youth Day on 12 August 2025. He argued that youth must be integrated into the economy, protected from exploitation and discrimination, and given access to vocational education, guidance, and opportunities. He criticised previous administrations for neglecting youth aspirations, unemployment, poverty, and emigration, and stated that the current Government has introduced a comprehensive programme to restore hope and empower young people. Adjournment Motion: Youth Engagement for Sustainable Development Goals Read →
- 19 August 2025 The Hon. Sunil Kumara Gamage - Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports JJB AI summary The Minister noted that the Government marked the 25th International Youth Day on 12 August with a National Youth Conference held under the President’s patronage, themed around youth action for the Sustainable Development Goals. He said the Government’s youth policy seeks to develop a “future-ready” generation by integrating environmental concerns, skills, leadership, and opportunities for young people. He argued that past political culture had denied youth adequate roles in employment, politics, and leadership, and said the Government is working to address that gap. Ministerial Announcement: National Youth Conference Statement Read →
- 7 August 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya JJB AI summary (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya stated that recruitment rules differ across public services and, in the case of teachers, are governed by the relevant Service Minute. She said the Government cannot provide a blanket position on recruitment procedures, but noted that due to long-standing issues and court cases concerning Development Officer and teacher recruitment, a proposal has been submitted to the courts to permit recruitment without an age limit. Ministry Statements: Gampaha Wickramarachchi University and Teacher Recruitment Procedures Read →
- 7 August 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya — Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education AI summary The Prime Minister responded to a Standing Order 27(2) question by outlining Cabinet-based recruitment of unemployed graduates as Development Officers in 2020-2022 and noting that information relating to alleged 2014 action was unavailable from the Ministry of Public Administration. She stated that about 71 per cent of relevant 2014 A/L intakes at northern and eastern universities had completed degrees by end-2020 and could apply where eligible, but appointments had not been granted under that route. She reported 404 teacher vacancies in the Northern Province as at 30 June 2025 and detailed recent provincial teacher recruitments, while noting that approval to recruit for 1,758 posts out of 3,516 vacancies had been temporarily suspended under Cabinet decisions of 4 June 2025. Ministry Statements: Gampaha Wickramarachchi University and Teacher Recruitment Procedures Read →
- 7 August 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna raised a Standing Order 27(2) matter on problems at the Gampaha Wickramarachchi University of Indigenous Medicine following its 2021 upgrade and expansion into new faculties without adequate facilities. He said students lack laboratories, computer labs, lecture halls and permanent buildings, and alleged that curricula were changed after enrolment, affecting the first intake due to graduate in 2026 and their employment prospects. He questioned why recommendations of a five-member committee submitted to the Prime Minister on 2 July 2025 had not been implemented, and sought government decisions on programme restructuring, possible affiliation to other universities, employment pathways, future admissions, facilities from September, and inquiries into alleged curriculum and recruitment irregularities. Ministry Statements: Gampaha Wickramarachchi University and Teacher Recruitment Procedures Read →
- 7 August 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya said the Government is open to dialogue on strengthening the National Institute of Education, noting its role in curriculum development and teacher training. She accepted the proposal to take the matter up for broader discussion. Oral Question: Bachelor's Degree Requirement for NIE Recruitment (Q.8/2025) Read →
- 7 August 2025 The Hon. (Prof.) L.M. Abeywickrama JJB AI summary Prof. L.M. Abeywickrama raised concern that lowering entry requirements for a premier education institute would undermine standards. He requested broader consultation on the Scheme of Recruitment and urged that candidates without a degree class not be appointed to Senior Educator or Senior Lecturer posts. Oral Question: Bachelor's Degree Requirement for NIE Recruitment (Q.8/2025) Read →
- 7 August 2025 The Hon. (Prof.) L.M. Abeywickrama JJB AI summary Prof. L.M. Abeywickrama questioned changes to the Scheme of Recruitment for Senior Educator and Senior Lecturer posts at the National Institute of Education during education reforms. He asked why the longstanding requirement for a class in a bachelor’s degree, in place since 1985 to maintain quality, and the requirement for teaching experience were being removed, and raised concern that parties other than the Department of Human Resource Development had intervened in the process. Oral Question: Bachelor's Degree Requirement for NIE Recruitment (Q.8/2025) Read →
- 7 August 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya JJB AI summary The Minister answered that changes to the National Institute of Education recruitment requirements were made in line with Department of Management Services circulars and, where relevant, with majority agreement within the Institute. She stated that the proposed schemes recognize experience from government, state enterprises or boards, NGOs, or recognized private institutions, and that revised schemes for senior and academic research grades have been prepared with staff and union concurrence and submitted to the Department of Management Services for approval. Oral Question: Bachelor's Degree Requirement for NIE Recruitment (Q.8/2025) Read →
- 7 August 2025 The Hon. (Prof.) L.M. Abeywickrama JJB AI summary Hon. (Prof.) L.M. Abeywickrama asked the Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education whether the updated recruitment scheme for Senior Lecturer and Senior Educator posts at the National Institute of Education had removed prior requirements for a bachelor’s degree with a class and teaching experience. He also asked whether recognized private institution experience had been added as qualifying experience, and sought the objectives behind any such amendments. Oral Question: Bachelor's Degree Requirement for NIE Recruitment (Q.8/2025) Read →
- 7 August 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education JJB AI summary The Prime Minister stated that 33 proposed Eastern Province projects, with an estimated total cost of Rs. 2.37 billion, had been identified for multi-donor funding, covering agriculture, rural industries, fisheries, education, health, Ayurveda facilities, women’s empowerment, and support services for differently-abled children. She said the projects were selected based on sectoral needs and inputs from provincial and divisional-level officials, with stakeholder meetings held in July and October 2023. She added that the Governor of the Eastern Province submitted the proposals to the Indian High Commission in 2023 seeking assistance to improve socio-economic conditions in the province. Oral Question: Projects Approved with Indian Government Assistance - Eastern Province (Q.3/2025) Read →
- 7 August 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya presented the 2024 Annual Performance Report of the Department of Technical Education and Training. She moved that the report be referred to the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Education, Manpower and Human Capital, and the House agreed. Tabling of Reports and Petitions Read →
- 5 August 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Dr. Ramanathan Archchuna called for an international investigation into the Chemmani mass grave, citing the reported recovery of around 150 skeletal remains, and urged action on long-term detainees held under the Prevention of Terrorism Act. He criticized the Government’s approach to education reforms, arguing that major changes should be evidence-based and preceded by pilot studies, and asked that developments relating to Nallur temple land be brought before the District Coordinating Committee. He also said he was being targeted through CID inquiries and multiple legal cases, criticized what he described as political cycles of arrests after changes of government, and questioned Government positions on official privileges, pensions, and the dignity of public offices. Debate: Anti-Dumping and Countervailing Duties Regulations Read →
- 5 August 2025 The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera - Deputy Minister of Defence JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister of Defence provided figures on the Government’s recurrent cost of training a medical student, estimating Rs. 495,000 annually and Rs. 2.475 million over five years, excluding clinical training and KDU Teaching Hospital maintenance costs. He stated that applications for non-cadet local medical students for the 2025/2026 academic year at KDU have been called online and that clinical training is conducted by KDU faculty specialists and specialists from KDU, state, and tri-forces hospitals. He noted that questions 4, 5, and 6 would be answered by the relevant Ministry. Ministerial Statement: Medical Faculty Suspension at Kotelawala Defence University Read →
- 5 August 2025 The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera - Deputy Minister of Defence JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister of Defence provided responses to parts of the Opposition Leader’s Standing Order 27(2) question concerning General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, noting that issues outside the Defence Ministry’s remit had been referred to the Ministry of Education. He stated that the Government had spent Rs. 12,462 million to establish KDU, excluding annual recurrent expenditure, and that the MBBS programme fee was Rs. 17.5 million in the current year, up from Rs. 15 million the previous year. Ministerial Statement: Medical Faculty Suspension at Kotelawala Defence University Read →
- 5 August 2025 The Hon. Eranga Gunasekara - Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs JJB AI summary Hon. Eranga Gunasekara stated that the initiative is intended to create a national youth movement rather than a partisan cadre. He said participation and the election of officials would be limited to members enrolled through a democratic process. Question by Private Notice: Youth Services Council Circular Read →
- 5 August 2025 The Hon. Eranga Gunasekara - Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs JJB AI summary Eranga Gunasekara said the programme running from National Youth Day to International Youth Day was organized in a structured and transparent manner with broad publicity. He welcomed the increased discussion on Youth Clubs, noting that for the first time the subject was receiving active attention both within Parliament and outside it. Question by Private Notice: Youth Services Council Circular Read →
- 5 August 2025 The Hon. Eranga Gunasekara - Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Eranga Gunasekara said the reorganization of Youth Clubs is part of the Government’s “Prosperous Country - Beautiful Life” programme and has a public mandate, noting that no such reorganization had taken place since 2020. He stated that the process was carried out openly through public notifications and coordination with Divisional and District Secretaries, resulting in active Youth Clubs in over 12,700 of 14,002 GN Divisions. He rejected allegations of political appointments, saying office-bearers are elected by duly enrolled members through a democratic process. Question by Private Notice: Youth Services Council Circular Read →