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- 11 July 2025 The Hon. Ramanathan Archchuna Independent Group 17 - Jaffna AI summary Ramanathan Archchuna raised a question under Standing Order 27(2) to the Prime Minister in her capacity as Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education regarding alleged irregularities in appointments of internal graduates made in 2020/2021. He said graduates who entered university in 2014 and completed studies around 2019 were affected by political instability and subsequent government recruitment decisions in August 2020, and sought attention to perceived unfairness in those appointments. Points of Order and Standing Order 27(2) Questions Read →
- 11 July 2025 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe - Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development JJB AI summary Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe said the 2017 handling of SLIIT under the 2015–2019 UNP Government ignored Presidential Commission observations and that the Cabinet at the time bore collective responsibility. He argued that the Rs. 408 million repayment was made from SLIIT funds that belonged to Mahapola, amounting to a serious offence. He said, following COPE recommendations, legal action is being pursued through the CID and Bribery Commission to restore Mahapola’s trusteeship and ownership while retaining SLIIT as an institution, expanding scholarships, and keeping programmes affordable. Oral Questions - First Round Read →
- 11 July 2025 The Hon. Sunil Rathnasiri JJB AI summary Hon. Sunil Rathnasiri outlined the origins of Mahapola’s investment in SLIIT and cited the 2003 and 2005 agreements that gave Mahapola profit-sharing, director appointments, and approval rights. He argued that the 2015 agreement improperly transferred extensive control over state land and assets to SLIIT while limiting Mahapola’s role and undercompensating it relative to SLIIT’s profits. Referring to findings of a Presidential Special Commission, he asked what action the present Minister would take against the individuals identified as responsible. Oral Questions - First Round Read →
- 11 July 2025 The Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe - Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development JJB AI summary The Minister stated that Rs. 373 million from the Mahapola Higher Education Scholarship Trust Fund was used to construct SLIIT buildings, but several requested details were unavailable and are being sought. He said a 2017 Cabinet decision and Gazette recognized SLIIT as an autonomous non-governmental institution not coming under any Ministry, limiting the Ministry’s present ability to act. In response to supplementary questions, he alleged irregularities in the transfer of control of SLIIT from Mahapola, noted that Rs. 408 million was repaid using SLIIT’s own retained earnings, and said COPE had recommended legal action. He indicated that steps are being taken to pursue accountability, restore Mahapola’s trusteeship and ownership of SLIIT, and use its income to support scholarships and affordable education programmes. Oral Questions - First Round Read →
- 9 July 2025 Hon. R.M. Samantha Ranasinghe JJB AI summary Hon. R.M. Samantha Ranasinghe requested the Prime Minister’s intervention to address students’ difficulties with Transport Board season tickets and small stipends. He urged measures to create a more supportive and attractive environment for students. Oral Question: Digital Transformation and Education Reforms Read →
- 9 July 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education JJB AI summary The Prime Minister said the skills development programme led by Deputy Minister Nalin Hevage would continue as part of education reforms aimed at preparing human capital for employment. She emphasized making vocational and skills education a respected chosen pathway rather than a fallback option, through school system changes and a wider social dialogue. She added that the President had discussed and endorsed the need to initiate this dialogue immediately. Oral Question: Digital Transformation and Education Reforms Read →
- 9 July 2025 Hon. R.M. Samantha Ranasinghe JJB AI summary Hon. R.M. Samantha Ranasinghe noted a mismatch between existing vocational education and labour market demand for trained workers, as well as low awareness among students and parents. He welcomed the recent “Shrama Meheyuma” programme that brought together TVET institutions and asked whether it would continue, requesting that similar programmes be held at least every six months. Oral Question: Digital Transformation and Education Reforms Read →
- 9 July 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education JJB AI summary Vocational education is being expanded as part of the 2025 education reforms, including a new Grades 10–11 “skills stream,” an increase of Advanced Level vocational-stream schools from 609 to 1,000, and a four-year pathway linked to NVQ Level 4 courses after school. The Prime Minister outlined teacher recruitment and training plans, curriculum modularization, annual capacity development with industry collaboration, and a TVET strategic plan to be completed by September 2025 with ADB support. She also referred to UniVOTEC-led trainer programmes, proposed Korean support for a TVET Teacher Training and Applied Research Institute, and several five-year project proposals submitted to the Department of National Planning, including infrastructure upgrades, online assessment, NAITA Centres of Excellence, and completion of the Kilinochchi hostel. Oral Question: Digital Transformation and Education Reforms Read →
- 9 July 2025 Hon. R.M. Samantha Ranasinghe JJB AI summary Hon. R.M. Samantha Ranasinghe asked the Prime Minister what steps the Ministry has taken under the new education reforms to integrate technical and vocational education with school education. He further requested details on any five-year plans for developing technical and vocational education, including proposed measures for teacher training and infrastructure development in the TVET sector. Oral Question: Digital Transformation and Education Reforms Read →
- 9 July 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education JJB AI summary Training for in-service teachers has begun under the National Continuous Professional Development Programme. The Prime Minister stated that teacher training programmes will be reviewed and relevant modules introduced into faculties of education and B.Ed. programmes, while a special programme has been initiated to provide faculties of education with the necessary technology to support the transformation. Oral Question: Digital Transformation and Education Reforms Read →
- 9 July 2025 Hon. Sanjeewa Ranasingha JJB AI summary Asked whether training for relevant teachers has already begun as part of the digital education transformation process. Oral Question: Digital Transformation and Education Reforms Read →
- 9 July 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya stated that a 30-member multi-stakeholder Task Force has been established, with Cabinet approval granted on 02.06.2025, to guide the digital transformation of education over three years. She said its objectives include addressing teacher shortages through digital tools, updating curricula, ensuring learning continuity during emergencies, improving digital literacy and online safety, strengthening ICT infrastructure, and creating a sustainable innovation framework. She also outlined ongoing measures such as providing smart boards and ICT equipment to schools, developing a National EMIS, expanding school internet connectivity by end-2026, introducing an unlimited data package, and training teachers under digital competency programmes. Oral Question: Digital Transformation and Education Reforms Read →
- 9 July 2025 Hon. Sanjeewa Ranasingha JJB AI summary Hon. Sanjeewa Ranasingha asked the Prime Minister whether the Government accepts the need for digital transformation alongside education sector reforms. He requested details on measures already taken to implement digital transformation, the expected goals, and the timeframe for achieving those objectives. Oral Question: Digital Transformation and Education Reforms Read →
- 8 July 2025 The Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper, PC SJB AI summary Hon. M. Nizam Kariapper supported Hon. Sugath Wasantha de Silva’s motion and welcomed his appointment as a historic step for representation of persons with disabilities. He argued that the existing 3 percent public sector quota is inadequate and poorly implemented, particularly for blind and deaf persons, and said disability should not be treated as a single category but matched to specific capacities, education and skills. He urged the Government to strengthen specialized education, including Braille and tailored support, expand special schools and dedicated opportunities in regular schools, and build skills pipelines to prevent marginalization. Adjournment Debate: Employment for Persons with Disabilities Read →
- 8 July 2025 The Hon. M.S. Abthul Wazeeth SLMC AI summary Hon. M.S. Abthul Wazeeth used his maiden speech to thank party leaders and constituents and to state his intention to represent the rights of all communities, particularly in Pottuvil. He highlighted long-standing local issues including irrigation shortages, incomplete implementation of the Heda Oya Project, lack of land ownership documents affecting tourism livelihoods, and the division of the area into separate ethnic education zones, requesting a unified education zone. He also called for improved bus depot facilities, completion of staffing and services at the Pottuvil Base Hospital, appointment of a Land Officer, release of lands occupied during the war, and upgrading the Pottuvil Pradeshiya Sabha to an Urban Council. Debate: Imports and Exports (Control) Act - Salt Import Regulations (Gazette No. 2437/04) Read →
- 20 June 2025 The Hon. Nishantha Perera JJB AI summary Nishantha Perera stated that the Government had increased foreign reserves to USD 6.5 billion by building confidence and attracting dollars while saving rupees. He said the administration was practising fiscal discipline, citing the President’s return of unspent foreign travel funds, and argued that tax revenue was being directed to education, health, and rural roads. Debate: Stamp Duty (Special Provisions) Act Order and Imports and Exports (Control) Act Regulations Read →
- 20 June 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam ITAK AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam supported timely legal updates, welcomed the National Minimum Wage amendment, and urged that wage increases be incorporated into basic salary to affect pensions and entitlements. He requested that imported Siddha medicines, especially from India, be classified as medicines rather than cosmetics under import regulations to reduce duties and improve access in the North and East. He also called for a legal regulatory framework for private educational institutions, including tuition centres, and asked that the Vavuniya Nursing Training School be placed under the supervision of Vavuniya District General Hospital with proper funding and resources. Debate: Stamp Duty (Special Provisions) Act Order and Imports and Exports (Control) Act Regulations Read →
- 20 June 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Madhura Senevirathna JJB AI summary Dr. Madhura Senevirathna said that when principal vacancies arise, teachers may act in those roles, but appointments must comply with service rules. He stated that future placements will be made according to the criteria of the Education Administrative Service and the Principals’ Service, which should prevent the concerns raised from recurring. Oral Question: Acting Principals in Government Schools (Q.Unspecified/2024) Read →
- 20 June 2025 The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF AI summary Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake referred to Kandana Sirisivali Maha Vidyalaya in the Badulla area as an example of a school with an acting principal and urged that justice be ensured for such acting principals. He stated that he was raising the issue on their behalf, and alluded to concerns about a relevant Cabinet Paper being rejected and Treasury resistance. Oral Question: Acting Principals in Government Schools (Q.Unspecified/2024) Read →
- 20 June 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Madhura Senevirathna JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Madhura Senevirathna said acting principals serving in difficult schools, including in Monaragala’s Siyambalanduwa and Etimale areas, have not received justice despite earlier appeals and parliamentary attention. He noted that, as former Chief Minister of Uva, he had granted them an allowance and urged that the issue be treated sensitively. Oral Question: Acting Principals in Government Schools (Q.Unspecified/2024) Read →