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- 8 May 2026 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Ravi Karunanayake thanked Members for supporting and contributing to his proposals on foreign employment and urged the Deputy Minister to implement them without waiting for a new Bill, suggesting that regulations or administrative action under the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment could provide quicker relief. He said stronger protection and support for domestic workers abroad should function as a risk-management or insurance mechanism that could also encourage remittances. He also called for adding value to Sri Lankan labour by training and sending local professionals, including doctors, rather than importing them, linking this to a knowledge-based economy and higher foreign earnings. Debate: Private Members' Motion P.33/2025 - Setting up of a Unit with Legal Powers to Solve Problems Faced by Migrant Employees Read →
- 8 May 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Madhura Senevirathna JJB AI summary The Hon. (Dr.) Madhura Senevirathna stated that a formal policy is being prepared to revoke or close down institutions that exist only on paper and improperly confer titles. He clarified that the University Grants Commission has no authority over the use of “1116,” which would generally need to be challenged through civil action by a private citizen. He said the Government is developing a procedure in response to Hon. Rohana Bandara’s proposal to ensure titles are used through due process and to prevent misuse. Debate: Private Members' Motion P.43/2025 - Preventing Misuse of Positions of Professors and Doctors Read →
- 8 May 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Madhura Senevirathna - Deputy Minister of Education and Higher Education JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister said existing UGC circulars already restrict the use of “Professor,” “Senior Professor” and “Doctor” to active university service, with retired or resigned academics permitted to use only “Professor Emeritus” if formally conferred under UGC Circular 12/2021. He noted a separate problem of non-UGC institutions granting honorary doctorates or professorships without proper standards, and said the Higher Education Policy Drafting Committee is working to create a single registry and regulatory framework for all public, private and non-state awarding bodies. He stated that the Government accepts the Motion’s intent and will strengthen enforcement of UGC rules while regulating non-UGC entities that confer such titles. Debate: Private Members' Motion P.43/2025 - Preventing Misuse of Positions of Professors and Doctors Read →
- 8 May 2026 The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper supported the Motion on regulating institutions that confer doctoral and professorial titles, urging the Government to introduce rules to prevent the sale of such titles. He thanked the Minister for clarification on Vesak Week restrictions, noting that meat sales and animal sacrifice were prohibited only on specified days, allowing Udhiyah/Qurban observances on May 28–29. He also referred to the Supreme Court’s upholding of the Sainthamaruthu Urban Council and requested that premises, staff, a Secretary, vehicles, and other facilities be provided within two months so the Council can begin functioning and deliver services such as waste disposal. Debate: Private Members' Motion P.43/2025 - Preventing Misuse of Positions of Professors and Doctors Read →
- 8 May 2026 The Hon. Ruwan Mapalagama JJB AI summary Hon. Ruwan Mapalagama explained the academic meanings and requirements for titles such as “Doctor” and “Professor,” noting that professorial titles require a PhD, further scholarly qualifications, institutional approval, and, after retirement, Council approval for emeritus status. He said honorary doctorates may be conferred only through rigorous university processes, and noted that the Education Ministry is already working on regulating institutions that award or sell degrees and honorifics. He supported the Motion if made in good faith and proposed that regulation also cover misuse of other titles, including designations such as “Attorney-at-Law” and commercially sold honorifics. Debate: Private Members' Motion P.43/2025 - Preventing Misuse of Positions of Professors and Doctors Read →
- 8 May 2026 The Hon. Rohana Bandara AI summary Hon. Rohana Bandara moved a resolution calling on the Government to develop, through the University Grants Commission, a programme to prevent misuse of titles such as “Professor” and “Doctor.” He argued that public trust in such designations has been exploited in politics and public life, citing controversies over claimed qualifications and the use of titles in election campaigns. He proposed stronger review and regulatory mechanisms to ensure only those who meet proper academic or clearly defined honorary standards may use such titles, in order to protect public confidence and the credibility of institutions that confer them. Debate: Private Members' Motion P.43/2025 - Preventing Misuse of Positions of Professors and Doctors Read →
- 8 May 2026 The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB AI summary Chaminda Wijesiri thanked Members who contributed to his Private Member’s Motion on issues in technological and vocational universities, noting proposals on human resources, capital needs, and wider education reform. He urged the Government to move beyond debate and implement the proposed measures so progress could be assessed in the coming years, while cautioning that outreach programmes should be protected from misuse by officials. He also linked education reform to broader social concerns, including rising suicide and mental health-related distress, and said the motion was agreed to. Debate: Private Members' Motion P.18/2024 - Formulating a Programme to Make School Students Aware of University of Vocational Technology Read →
- 8 May 2026 The Hon. Nalin Hewage - Deputy Minister of Vocational Education JJB AI summary Hon. Nalin Hewage supported the Motion on strengthening vocational education, arguing that Sri Lanka’s development depends heavily on improving human resources. He said the Government had allocated Rs. 8,000 million for vocational education facilities and recruitment, and was moving from a linear education pathway to multiple vocational and higher education options. He outlined a village-level outreach programme through 14,000 GN Division committees to identify youth suitable for vocational training, inform families about institutions, jobs, grants and loans, and ensure poverty does not prevent children from continuing education. He also referred to ongoing awareness, equipment upgrades, staffing measures and forthcoming improvements at the University of Vocational Technology. Debate: Private Members' Motion P.18/2024 - Formulating a Programme to Make School Students Aware of University of Vocational Technology Read →
- 8 May 2026 The Hon. Thilanka U. Gamage JJB AI summary Hon. Thilanka U. Gamage supported the Motion to raise school students’ awareness of the University of Vocational Technology, noting that the Government is already pursuing related measures under the framework of the University of Vocational Technology Act, No. 31 of 2008. He said new education reforms aim to introduce vocational and technical subjects into school curricula and create pathways to university admission for students with practical skills. He also stated that neglected technical training institutes are being assessed for improvements and that awareness programmes are being expanded through Divisional Secretariat-level officials. Debate: Private Members' Motion P.18/2024 - Formulating a Programme to Make School Students Aware of University of Vocational Technology Read →
- 8 May 2026 The Hon. (Mrs.) Rohini Kumari Wijerathna SJB AI summary Hon. Rohini Kumari Wijerathna supported the Motion to raise student awareness of the University of Vocational Technology, arguing that vocational education needs public trust, clear pathways from school to industry, and mechanisms for NVQ Level 4 holders to enter degree programmes with possible advanced standing. She urged curriculum planning in consultation with industry bodies and referred to models in Germany, Singapore and Switzerland, while calling for more vocational technology universities. She also requested corrections to alleged shortcomings in recruitment and marking schemes for aesthetic studies institutes, including interview board approvals and practical test criteria, to protect fairness and applicant confidence. Debate: Private Members' Motion P.18/2024 - Formulating a Programme to Make School Students Aware of University of Vocational Technology Read →
- 8 May 2026 The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB AI summary Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri argued that Sri Lanka should learn from Vietnam’s advanced agricultural methods to improve yields, food security, and an agriculture-based economy, noting that the country still imports rice and that such technologies should be taught through universities. He called for modernizing traditional agriculture while retaining national identity and questioned whether university education is being effectively directed toward national development. He also highlighted the value of vocational and technical skills in vehicle repair and upgrading, proposing an island-wide expansion of the University of Vocational Technology to support youth employment and economic productivity. Debate: Private Members' Motion P.18/2024 - Formulating a Programme to Make School Students Aware of University of Vocational Technology Read →
- 8 May 2026 The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB AI summary Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri moved a resolution calling for a government programme to inform school students about the University of Vocational Technology and its job-market-oriented degree courses. He cited Vietnam’s education and labour-force model, including foreign-language vocational pathways linked to overseas employment, and urged Sri Lanka to use vocational and technological education to develop human capital beyond traditional university disciplines. Debate: Private Members' Motion P.18/2024 - Formulating a Programme to Make School Students Aware of University of Vocational Technology Read →
- 8 May 2026 The Hon. Hesha Withanage Ankumbura Arachchi SJB AI summary Hon. Hesha Withanage Ankumbura Arachchi supported a proposal to create a dedicated educational pathway for high-performing athletes, beyond merely adding 0.5 to the Z-score for university admission. He argued that athletes who represent Sri Lanka nationally or internationally should be able to pursue diplomas and degrees despite academic disruption, especially given limited university places for qualified A/L students. He also urged consideration of past international medal winners, including Susanthika Jayasinghe, and called on the Sports Minister and relevant Deputy Ministers to advance the proposal. Debate: Private Members' Motion P.17/2024 - School and Higher Education Frameworks for Sportspersons Read →
- 8 May 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Madhura Senevirathna - Deputy Minister of Education and Higher Education JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister said the Government is considering measures to support student-athletes in universities, including enabling those with national or international school-level achievements to continue developing in their sport while pursuing higher education. He stated that discussions with the University Grants Commission had covered providing basic facilities for students competing internationally, and transport support where universities lack sports infrastructure. He described the proposal as timely and said necessary follow-up action would be taken. Debate: Private Members' Motion P.17/2024 - School and Higher Education Frameworks for Sportspersons Read →
- 8 May 2026 The Hon. Deputy Minister of Education and Higher Education (Dr. Madhura Senevirathna) AI summary The Deputy Minister supported the motion to expand degree opportunities for athletes and said school-level sports selection and training lack clear, scientific processes. He noted disparities in resources and coaching, and said the Ministries of Education and Sports will establish a joint committee to develop a scientific school sports system for early identification and proper pathways. He also said the existing university allocation of up to 0.5 per cent for students with special talents, including athletes, will be reviewed to better accommodate national athletes in relevant degree programmes through transparent and equitable criteria. Debate: Private Members' Motion P.17/2024 - School and Higher Education Frameworks for Sportspersons Read →
- 8 May 2026 The Hon. Sugath Thilakaratne - Deputy Minister of Sports JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Sugath Thilakaratne supported Hon. Hesha Withanage’s Motion, arguing that national and international athletes sacrifice education and personal life and should receive expanded access to university degree opportunities. He noted existing Sports Science and Sports Management programmes at several universities and said the current limited non-Z-score intake for athletes is insufficient. He also referred to the need for more qualified coaches, better school placements for previously recruited coaches, stronger sports administration, and legal arrangements to bring university sports structures under the UGC to improve participation pathways, including in events such as the World University Games. Debate: Private Members' Motion P.17/2024 - School and Higher Education Frameworks for Sportspersons Read →
- 8 May 2026 The Hon. Hesha Withanage Ankumbura Arachchi SJB AI summary Moved a Private Member’s Motion calling for national-level sportspersons and record-holders to be allowed access to sports-related degree programmes based on demonstrated sporting competence, rather than only academic qualifications or Z-score. He argued this would help address the shortage of qualified school sports coaches, citing problems with the 2017–2018 recruitment of coaches as non-academic staff, including low pay, lack of job security and attrition. He urged the Prime Minister, as Minister of Higher Education, and the Minister of Sports to develop a framework, and also commented on the need for proper governance and qualified appointments in Sri Lanka Cricket. Debate: Private Members' Motion P.17/2024 - School and Higher Education Frameworks for Sportspersons Read →
- 7 May 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Madhura Senevirathna JJB AI summary Dr. Madhura Senevirathna stated that the Government has no policy of increasing parallel classes in popular schools and asked for any specific instances to be submitted for review by structural committees. He said the policy focus is to strengthen peripheral secondary schools and improve local schooling rather than expand popular schools or increase class sizes. Oral Question 3 (840/2025): Dhammarathana Vidyalaya and Other Schools in Moratuwa Read →
- 7 May 2026 The Hon. Mujibur Rahuman SJB AI summary Mujibur Rahuman questioned the Government’s school admissions policy, arguing that continuing the 40-student limit and expanding parallel classes in popular schools would lead to the closure of smaller nearby schools. He urged implementation of the Supreme Court ruling limiting Grade 1 classes to 35 students and called for an end to further expansion of parallel classes in popular schools. Oral Question 3 (840/2025): Dhammarathana Vidyalaya and Other Schools in Moratuwa Read →
- 7 May 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Madhura Senevirathna JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Madhura Senevirathna stated that class sizes should be based on educational criteria, noting that overcrowding persists in both secondary and primary schools. He said the Government aims to reduce class sizes below 35, but only gradually alongside education reforms, school rationalization, infrastructure improvements, and the recruitment of additional teachers. He clarified that no decision has been taken to raise secondary class sizes beyond 40 or to 45, and that limits will be enforced according to classroom capacity. Oral Question 3 (840/2025): Dhammarathana Vidyalaya and Other Schools in Moratuwa Read →