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- 24 July 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa urged the Government to table a full concept paper, similar to a Green or White Paper process, to guide education reforms with clear targets, timelines and consultation. He argued that education should be recognized as a fundamental human right in any constitutional reform, alongside other social, economic and political rights. He called for modernizing the system by moving away from rote learning, expanding ICT, STEM to STEAM, English-medium education, and new fields such as AI, data science, quantum computing, augmented and virtual reality, and machine learning. Adjournment Debate: Proposed Educational Reforms Read →
- 24 July 2025 The Hon. Ruwan Wijeweera JJB AI summary Ruwan Wijeweera welcomed the proposed comprehensive education reforms due to begin in 2026, arguing that Sri Lanka needs an equitable, future-oriented system to address outdated curricula, school resource disparities, and a mismatch between education outcomes and labour market needs. He cited youth unemployment and traditional teacher-centred instruction as key challenges, and said the reforms aim to develop 21st-century skills, sustainable national development, and peace. He outlined proposed measures including school restructuring, two years of early childhood development, integrated activity-based primary curricula, and improvements to human resources, infrastructure, and education administration, while inviting broad stakeholder support. Adjournment Debate: Proposed Educational Reforms Read →
- 24 July 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya JJB AI summary In response to concerns about institutional support, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the Government expects to seek increased 2026 allocations for technical colleges and vocational training institutes. She indicated that the institutions referred to in the discussion would also benefit from those provisions. Oral Question: Education Zones for Uhana and Pottuvil (Q.8) Read →
- 24 July 2025 The Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe SLMC AI summary Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe requested that the Prime Minister provide additional facilities to South Eastern University in Oluvil, including the establishment of a Medical Faculty. He also asked that the next Budget prioritize education development funding for institutions in the Ampara District, including technical colleges, the Hardy Advanced Technical Institute, the National Institute of Education in Addalaichenai, and the Teachers’ Training College. Oral Question: Education Zones for Uhana and Pottuvil (Q.8) Read →
- 24 July 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya JJB AI summary Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that no official recommendation had yet been received from the Governor regarding the matter raised. She said future reforms to education administration would take into account factors such as geography and the number of schools, and invited the Member to submit proposals for consideration. Oral Question: Education Zones for Uhana and Pottuvil (Q.8) Read →
- 24 July 2025 The Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe SLMC AI summary The Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe asked the Prime Minister whether the Government would include the establishment of separate education zones for Uhana and Pottuvil in ongoing education reforms. He noted that recommendations for these zones had been made four years earlier by the Eastern Province Governor and the Ministry of Education, and were recently reiterated by provincial officials at a coordination meeting chaired by the Prime Minister. Oral Question: Education Zones for Uhana and Pottuvil (Q.8) Read →
- 24 July 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya JJB AI summary No recommendation has been received to establish separate education zones, and therefore no approval has been granted. In relation to proposed education reforms, priority is currently being given to curriculum reform under five reform pillars, while administrative reforms remain under discussion. Any decision to create new education zones or increase zonal offices in 2026 will be considered later based on factors such as the number of schools, students, teachers and geographic needs. Oral Question: Education Zones for Uhana and Pottuvil (Q.8) Read →
- 24 July 2025 The Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe SLMC AI summary Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe asked the Prime Minister and Minister of Education whether the Government is aware that proposals, including the Eastern Province Governor’s recommendations, had been made to establish separate education zones for Uhana and Pottuvil in the Ampara District but had not yet received Ministry approval. He requested clarification on whether steps will be taken to establish those education zones, what action has been taken so far, and, if not, the reasons for inaction. Oral Question: Education Zones for Uhana and Pottuvil (Q.8) Read →
- 23 July 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Madhura Senevirathna - Deputy Minister of Education and Higher Education JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister explained that recruitment and salary placement in the Sri Lanka Teacher Educators’ Service are governed by the 2015 Service Minute and Establishments Code provisions, with limited-basis recruits placed according to their last drawn salary. He said any salary anomaly must be addressed through a broader policy decision covering all executive services, and noted that an Education Council and a Cabinet Memorandum are being used to pursue service-by-service solutions while a pending Fundamental Rights case, SC/FR/077/2025, may affect further action. He also stated that admissions to Faculties of Education, delayed by COVID-19 and national conditions, are being regularized by admitting the 2023 and 2024 A/L cohorts together from December 2025, with intake numbers determined by infrastructure, hostel capacity, and academic staffing constraints. Adjournment: Questions at Time of Adjournment Read →
- 23 July 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Rohini Kumari Wijerathna SJB AI summary Hon. Rohini Kumari Wijerathna raised an adjournment question to the Prime Minister and Education Minister on salary anomalies affecting the Sri Lanka Teacher Educators’ Service following the Sobodhini Salary Schedule and related teacher/principal salary revisions. She asked whether the Government accepts the anomaly, how and when it will be resolved, whether an interim allowance will be granted, and why officials were absent during a protest at Isurupaya. She also questioned the longer promotion period for Teacher Educators compared with other executive grades, sought a date for admitting 2023-2024 Advanced Level qualified students to Faculties of Education, and asked what measures are being taken to address shortages of physical and technological resources in those institutions. Adjournment: Questions at Time of Adjournment Read →
- 23 July 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa SJB AI summary Clarified that a White Paper is a discussion document rather than a final policy paper, intended to frame debate. He objected that, in the material presented, History and Information Technology appear to have been made optional subjects, arguing both should be compulsory, while noting that the matter could not be discussed at that time. Procedural: Standing Order 27(2) Questions – Sri Lanka Electricity Bill Scheduling Read →
- 23 July 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB AI summary Hon. Bimal Rathnayake said Parliament had agreed to provide further opportunities, beginning the following day, for Government and Opposition MPs to discuss proposed education reforms, with continued debate if required. He stated that no final reform document exists yet and that the Government intends to develop it through consultation with MPs, educationists, teachers, officials, professionals and the public, rather than proceeding without transparency. He added that a final document and roadmap would be presented to Parliament before 1 January of the following year. Procedural: Standing Order 27(2) Questions – Sri Lanka Electricity Bill Scheduling Read →
- 23 July 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Sajith Premadasa objected to holding the scheduled debate on new education reforms without a formal White Paper, noting that the Sri Lanka Electricity (Amendment) Bill had been temporarily withdrawn to accommodate it. He argued that a PowerPoint presentation by the Prime Minister was an inadequate basis for debating major changes to education policy and requested that the Government table a formal document to anchor the discussion. He also asked for the debate to be extended to about three days to allow Members to fully address the proposed reforms. Procedural: Standing Order 27(2) Questions – Sri Lanka Electricity Bill Scheduling Read →
- 23 July 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake JJB AI summary On behalf of the Prime Minister and Minister of Education, the response stated that 836 schools had been selected for development across all Divisional Secretary’s Divisions, of which 396 have been approved as National Schools and 23 have been processed through Standing Orders for declaration. The reply tabled annexes listing the relevant schools and province-wise expenditure for name boards, entrance gates, and related items in 2021–2022, with school-wise figures to be provided when available. It clarified that schools not approved as National Schools will remain under Provincial Councils, though their physical resources will be developed with planned support from the Line Ministry. Oral Question: Second Round Questions (Q.1, 2, 3/2025 – Second Round) Read →
- 23 July 2025 The Hon. Gayantha Karunatilleka (on behalf of the Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna) SJB AI summary Asked the Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education for details on the programme to establish 1,000 National Schools in each Divisional Secretary’s Division. The question sought divisional-level numbers of schools designated, allocations for name boards and entrance gates, whether each school is administered by the Line Ministry or Provincial Council, the total and names of National Schools established to date, and whether their physical resources will be developed and brought under the Line Ministry. Oral Question: Second Round Questions (Q.1, 2, 3/2025 – Second Round) Read →
- 22 July 2025 The Hon. Eranga Gunasekara - Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister clarified that the Government is promoting the establishment of Youth Clubs in every Grama Niladhari division to address past issues where some registered clubs existed only on paper. He noted that, where geographical disparities warrant it, Youth Services Officers may recommend approval for more than one club in a GN division through the National Youth Services Council, as provided for in the relevant circular. Debate: National Minimum Wage of Workers and Budgetary Relief Allowance Bills (Second and Third Readings) Read →
- 11 July 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah SLMC AI summary Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah supported the motion on ensuring livelihoods and stable incomes for youth over 18. He argued that limited university access and inadequate loan facilities require expansion of local non-State higher education capacity and better financing mechanisms. He proposed a dedicated scheme to provide young entrepreneurs with loans, technology support, digital skills, and start-up assistance through banks and other channels as part of broader youth-focused economic development. Private Members' Motion No. 4: Making Every Youth Gainfully Employed Read →
- 11 July 2025 The Hon. Lasith Bhashana Gamage JJB AI summary Hon. Lasith Bhashana Gamage supported Hon. Ravi Karunanayake’s motion, arguing that youth development should begin with cultivating civic responsibility, clear educational pathways, and productive attitudes rather than relying only on employment or entrepreneurship slogans. He called for restructuring school education and integrating vocational education into curricula, citing the “Sahodara Piyapath” programme with the University of Peradeniya as evidence that many students lack targets for A/Ls or further study. He also noted ongoing discussions under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports to promote agricultural entrepreneurship through youth camps, the National Youth Services Council, State farms, and coordination with the Ministry of Agriculture. Private Members' Motion No. 4: Making Every Youth Gainfully Employed Read →
- 11 July 2025 The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB AI summary Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri seconded Hon. Ravi Karunanayake’s Private Member’s Motion, urging stronger alignment between education, vocational training and entrepreneurship. He called for skills and entrepreneurial mindsets to be developed from primary education, greater social recognition for skilled trades and agriculture, and policies to localize manufacturing through assembly and capability-building. He also asked the Government to present practical programmes addressing income pressures and the rising cost of living. Private Members' Motion No. 4: Making Every Youth Gainfully Employed Read →
- 11 July 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Ravi Karunanayake moved a motion proposing that every citizen reaching 18 should have a right to gainful employment or financial assistance to become self-employed, arguing that youth unemployment and frustration require a shift from welfare dependency to entrepreneurship and work-oriented policies. He called for seed capital of about Rs. 500,000 per youth, Central Bank funding windows for youth, women and MSMEs, tax relief for young e-commerce earners, and reforms to credit, university access, skills training and overseas employment standards. He also urged a focus on AI, innovation, renewable energy and trained migration, citing Sri Lanka’s fiscal constraints, post-bankruptcy recovery, and past episodes of youth unrest as context for the proposal. Private Members' Motion No. 4: Making Every Youth Gainfully Employed Read →