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- 5 August 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa emphasized the need for Youth Clubs at all administrative levels to operate without party bias, allowing young people to advance on merit. He cited previous funding of Rs. 150 million to the Youth Parliament and Youth Club Federation, which he said enabled youth-led projects worth Rs. 450 million and later contributed to the “Gamata Koratiyak” programme delivering services valued at Rs. 900 million. He argued that these initiatives showed the value of cross-party and inclusive youth participation beyond ethnic, religious, and social divisions. Question by Private Notice: Youth Services Council Circular Read →
- 5 August 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Madhura Senevirathna JJB AI summary On behalf of the Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, Dr. Madhura Senevirathna tabled an answer stating that Matale District has 310 government schools. It reported that 14 schools conduct A/L Technology, 19 Mathematics, and 20 Science streams, with relevant lists submitted as annexes. The answer outlined measures to promote these streams, including student awareness programmes, career guidance, directing O/L-qualified students to relevant A/L streams, filling teacher vacancies, conducting camps, and training and deploying teachers. Oral Questions: Education, Energy, President's Fund, Western Provincial Council Vehicles, Public Security, Pirivena Education, Hospitals in Matara, Land Settlement, Coastal Patrol, and Marawila Schools Read →
- 5 August 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Madhura Senevirathna JJB AI summary An advisory committee including Supreme Sangha Nayaka Theras and subject experts is considering amendments to the 1979 Act, with recommendations to follow. A technical subcommittee is also involved, and several discussions on syllabus revisions have already been held, with the process expected to continue without obstruction. Oral Questions: Education, Energy, President's Fund, Western Provincial Council Vehicles, Public Security, Pirivena Education, Hospitals in Matara, Land Settlement, Coastal Patrol, and Marawila Schools Read →
- 5 August 2025 The Hon. Sujeewa Dissanayake JJB AI summary Hon. Sujeewa Dissanayake asked what action the Ministry would take regarding officials still handling Dhamma School and Pirivena-related services after the dissolution of the former State Ministry. He alleged that such officers were obstructing proposed amendments to the Piriven Education Act and sought clarification on the Ministry’s response. Oral Questions: Education, Energy, President's Fund, Western Provincial Council Vehicles, Public Security, Pirivena Education, Hospitals in Matara, Land Settlement, Coastal Patrol, and Marawila Schools Read →
- 5 August 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Madhura Senevirathna JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Madhura Senevirathna stated that Pirivenas teaching school subjects will undergo curriculum reforms in the coming year, including IT, computer science and internet connectivity, aligned with global standards. He added that revising the syllabi of other Pirivenas requires amendments to the 1979 Piriven Education Act, and that an advisory committee has been appointed for this purpose. Oral Questions: Education, Energy, President's Fund, Western Provincial Council Vehicles, Public Security, Pirivena Education, Hospitals in Matara, Land Settlement, Coastal Patrol, and Marawila Schools Read →
- 5 August 2025 The Hon. Sujeewa Dissanayake JJB AI summary Hon. Sujeewa Dissanayake asked whether ongoing education reforms would extend to Pirivena education by incorporating modern subjects such as data science, computer science, IT, and internet connectivity. He noted that Pirivenas traditionally teach classical subjects including Pali, Sanskrit, and the Tripitaka, and that many monks educated in them later serve abroad as Dhamma propagators. Oral Questions: Education, Energy, President's Fund, Western Provincial Council Vehicles, Public Security, Pirivena Education, Hospitals in Matara, Land Settlement, Coastal Patrol, and Marawila Schools Read →
- 5 August 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Madhura Senevirathna JJB AI summary On behalf of the Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, details were provided in response to Question 863/2025 on Piriven Education. The response listed the categories of Pirivenas, subjects taught, and current enrolment of 69,108 students, and stated that the 2025 Budget allocates Rs. 7,518 million for Piriven Education, comprising Rs. 210 million in capital expenditure and Rs. 7,308 million in recurrent expenditure. It was also stated that the Pirivena curriculum will be revised under forthcoming education reforms. Oral Questions: Education, Energy, President's Fund, Western Provincial Council Vehicles, Public Security, Pirivena Education, Hospitals in Matara, Land Settlement, Coastal Patrol, and Marawila Schools Read →
- 5 August 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Madhura Senevirathna JJB AI summary Complaints about the University of Ruhuna’s Faculty of Engineering, including space constraints, have been raised with the University Grants Commission. Discussions are underway on issues including buildings and current semester arrangements, and a further meeting has been scheduled with academic staff, non-academic staff, and students of the Faculty. Oral Questions: Education, Energy, President's Fund, Western Provincial Council Vehicles, Public Security, Pirivena Education, Hospitals in Matara, Land Settlement, Coastal Patrol, and Marawila Schools Read →
- 5 August 2025 The Hon. Ravindra Bandara AI summary Hon. Ravindra Bandara raised a supplementary question on issues at the University of Ruhuna’s Faculty of Engineering, particularly the Department of Electrical and Information Engineering and Computer Engineering. He stated that about 1,000 students across six batches are affected by an academic staff shortage that is preventing the commencement of the fifth and sixth semesters, along with inadequate building facilities. He asked what immediate steps the Ministry would take to address these shortages and infrastructure deficiencies. Oral Questions: Education, Energy, President's Fund, Western Provincial Council Vehicles, Public Security, Pirivena Education, Hospitals in Matara, Land Settlement, Coastal Patrol, and Marawila Schools Read →
- 5 August 2025 The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka JJB AI summary On behalf of the Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, Anura Karunathilaka answered Question 569/2025 regarding President’s Fund payments for higher education. He said funds were granted for foreign scholarships between 2005 and 2014, tabling an annexure with recipient details, and listed annual totals amounting to payments for 263 individuals. He stated that an audit observed funds had been provided to children, relatives and friends of Ministers and Members of Parliament, but that available records do not identify who returned to Sri Lanka, so no legal or recovery action has been taken against scholarship recipients who may not have returned. Oral Questions: Education, Energy, President's Fund, Western Provincial Council Vehicles, Public Security, Pirivena Education, Hospitals in Matara, Land Settlement, Coastal Patrol, and Marawila Schools Read →
- 5 August 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Madhura Senevirathna - Deputy Minister of Education and Higher Education JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Madhura Senevirathna stated that the education reform programme, including the White Paper, is consistent with existing education policy and is not an abrupt change. He said the Government is not closing low-enrolment schools, but will reorganize schools with fewer than 50 students through a data-driven, participatory process involving public representatives and local administrative officials, with some such schools continuing in reorganized form to expand educational opportunities. Oral Questions: Education, Energy, President's Fund, Western Provincial Council Vehicles, Public Security, Pirivena Education, Hospitals in Matara, Land Settlement, Coastal Patrol, and Marawila Schools Read →
- 5 August 2025 Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake asked whether the forthcoming Education White Paper would provide a comprehensive modern policy, including areas such as AI and e-commerce, following consultations with all parties. He also sought specific information on how many schools with fewer than 100 students, particularly in districts such as Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura, are expected to be closed in line with the President’s indication of practical school closures. Oral Questions: Education, Energy, President's Fund, Western Provincial Council Vehicles, Public Security, Pirivena Education, Hospitals in Matara, Land Settlement, Coastal Patrol, and Marawila Schools Read →
- 5 August 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Madhura Senevirathna - Deputy Minister of Education and Higher Education JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Madhura Senevirathna said education planning accounts for declining birth rates while reforms aim to ensure distance, poverty, and gender do not prevent children from completing 13 years of schooling. He stated that teacher salaries have seen substantial increases since 2016, including recent Budget adjustments aligned with comparable public service categories. He said the Government aims to place the Teachers’ Service among the ten better-paid public services and does not consider the current salary scale unfair. Oral Questions: Education, Energy, President's Fund, Western Provincial Council Vehicles, Public Security, Pirivena Education, Hospitals in Matara, Land Settlement, Coastal Patrol, and Marawila Schools Read →
- 5 August 2025 Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Ravi Karunanayake questioned the adequacy of teacher salaries, noting that while only about 10% of teachers reach around Rs. 153,000, most earn between Rs. 53,000 and Rs. 80,000, and asked whether the Government would address the disparity compared with Central Bank salaries. He also raised concern over the decline in Grade 1 admissions from about 360,000 six years earlier to 298,000, asking what measures would be taken to correct it. Oral Questions: Education, Energy, President's Fund, Western Provincial Council Vehicles, Public Security, Pirivena Education, Hospitals in Matara, Land Settlement, Coastal Patrol, and Marawila Schools Read →
- 5 August 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Madhura Senevirathna - Deputy Minister of Education and Higher Education JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister provided a detailed response on school numbers, staffing, salaries, vacancies, and Grade 1 admissions on behalf of the Prime Minister and Minister of Education. He stated that Sri Lanka has 396 National Schools and 9,700 Provincial Schools, with 237,787 teachers and 12,567 principals, and placed district-level salary and school data in the Library. He reported 1,497 vacancies in National Schools, noted legal and policy-related delays to major teacher recruitment processes, and outlined recent and planned appointments including diploma teachers, English-medium teachers under “English for All,” and estate-sector Tamil-medium Teacher Assistants pending court proceedings. He also stated that 3,148 schools have fewer than 100 students and provided recent and projected Grade 1 admission figures, with further details in annexures. Oral Questions: Education, Energy, President's Fund, Western Provincial Council Vehicles, Public Security, Pirivena Education, Hospitals in Matara, Land Settlement, Coastal Patrol, and Marawila Schools Read →
- 5 August 2025 Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake asked the Prime Minister and Minister of Education to provide district-wise data on National and provincial schools, including numbers of teachers and principals, salary expenditure, and the average teacher salary. He also requested information on teacher shortages and vacancy-filling timelines, details of schools with fewer than 100 students by district, and figures for Grade 1 admissions over the past five years with projections for the next five years. Oral Questions: Education, Energy, President's Fund, Western Provincial Council Vehicles, Public Security, Pirivena Education, Hospitals in Matara, Land Settlement, Coastal Patrol, and Marawila Schools Read →
- 25 July 2025 The Hon. Sunil Kumara Gamage - Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports JJB AI summary The Minister responded to questions on youth organizations under the National Youth Services Council, citing the National Youth Services Act No. 69 of 1979 as the basis for establishing and reorganizing youth societies. He said the “Connect 2025 Youth Clubs” programme is a rebranding effort to attract youth and denied using political symbols or exerting political influence. He stated that officers involved are carrying out official duties, not political work, and that the Government aims to establish youth clubs in all 14,022 Grama Niladhari Divisions, with about 11,000 already formed on a non-party, non-ethnic and non-religious basis. Adjournment Questions Read →
- 25 July 2025 The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake alleged that the ongoing islandwide reorganization of Youth Society Councils under the National Youth Services Council is being politicized through the involvement of National People’s Power representatives and the Socialist Students’ Union in appointing office-bearers. He asked the Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports whether the Socialist Youth Union emblem is being used, whether Youth Services Officers are acting politically, and whether regional council formation should be impartial and free from political influence. He urged the Minister and the NYSC Chairman to ensure youth councils are established independently, without improper political intervention. Adjournment Questions Read →
- 25 July 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi — Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs AI summary The Minister paid tribute to the late Hon. Malini Fonseka, recalling her brief parliamentary service from 2010 and her major contribution to Sri Lankan cinema, theatre and television over a career spanning more than 150 films. He outlined her early life, key artistic milestones, and work across popular and art cinema, noting her significance in the centenary year of Sri Lankan cinema. He called for expanded academic study of her work and proposed establishing a national film and performing arts school and a national film archive to preserve Sri Lanka’s film heritage. Condolence Debate: Late Hon. Members (R. Sampanthan, A. Pilapitiya, W. B. Ekanayake, Lucky Jayawardana, Malani Fonseka) Read →
- 25 July 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa said his concern was not to justify pharmacies operating without pharmacists, but to highlight the lack of adequate training programmes since the 2015 Act raised standards. He accepted that pharmacies must meet qualification requirements and called for an immediate accelerated programme to train pharmacists and dispensers, citing shortages affecting about 66 pharmacies and the wider health sector, in order to protect patients’ rights and lives. Standing Order 27(2): Renewal of Pharmacy Licences and Training of Pharmacists Read →