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 April 2025 The Hon. Dharmapriya Dissanayake JJB AI summary Hon. Dharmapriya Dissanayake raised concerns about reported sexual abuse and misconduct involving children in private tuition classes and asked whether the Government would introduce regulation of such classes. He also questioned whether action would be taken regarding tuition tutors who lack proper educational qualifications. Oral Question: Private Tuition Regulation and Child Safety Read →
- 8 April 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education JJB AI summary The Prime Minister responded to a question on regulation of private tuition, stating that the Commissioner General of Examinations prohibits tuition classes for five days before the GCE O/L and A/L examinations. She said the Ministry of Education does not register or currently intervene in private tuition classes, though complaints have been received, and cited Circular No. 2006/45 prohibiting public school teachers from engaging in paid private teaching during or outside official hours. She also noted the 80 per cent attendance requirement for A/L students and said proposed education reforms would place greater emphasis on practical learning and self-study. Oral Question: Private Tuition Regulation and Child Safety Read →
- 8 April 2025 The Hon. Dharmapriya Dissanayake JJB AI summary Asked the Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education whether private tuition classes targeting the GCE O/L and A/L examinations are regulated, and if not, why. He sought information on whether the Ministry is aware of the teachers conducting such classes and their qualifications, and raised concern that tuition classes are being held from 8.00 a.m. to 2.00 p.m. on school days. He requested details on action to be taken against such practices and measures to address any adverse impact on government schools. Oral Question: Private Tuition Regulation and Child Safety Read →
- 8 April 2025 Ministerial Consultative Committee on Education, Higher Education and Vocational Training AI summary The Ministerial Consultative Committee on Education, Higher Education and Vocational Training met on 8 April 2025 under the chairmanship of Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya. The record lists the members present, representing government and opposition MPs, for committee consideration of matters within the education, higher education, and vocational training portfolios. Opening: Parliament commencement, President's Message, Announcements, and Committee Listings Read →
- 8 April 2025 Ministerial Advisory Committee on Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education AI summary The Ministerial Advisory Committee on Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education was announced with Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya as Chair and the listed Members serving on the Committee. The announcement formally records the committee’s composition for parliamentary oversight and consultation on matters relating to education, higher education, and vocational education. Opening: Parliament commencement, President's Message, Announcements, and Committee Listings Read →
- 21 March 2025 The Hon. Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran ITAK AI summary Hon. Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran called on the Government to ensure a fair price for milk, support dairy farmers, and establish dairy and milk powder plants to increase production. He requested that livelihoods in Alayadivembu and Thirukkovil not be adversely affected, and urged the Government to address unemployment among arts, fine arts, and commerce graduates through job provision and education or training aligned with technology, digital, and biotech sectors. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage (Twenty-sixth Day) and Third Reading Read →
- 21 March 2025 The Hon. K. Ilankumaran JJB AI summary Hon. K. Ilankumaran welcomed Budget allocations for the Jaffna Public Library and the rehabilitation of the Point Pedro coastal road, and thanked relevant Ministers for work on coastal protection and northern development projects. He called for an inquiry into the burning of the Jaffna Public Library, comparing it to the Batalanda Commission process, and urged that justice be pursued. He argued that Budget funds should be used to develop industries in the North, particularly in Kilinochchi, while criticizing past proliferation of bar licences and urging a shift toward industrial zones. He also rejected personal allegations and opposition criticism, and said the Government’s mandate should be used to move beyond racism and support national development, including public sector salary increases. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage (Twenty-sixth Day) and Third Reading Read →
- 21 March 2025 The Hon. Mano Ganesan SJB AI summary Hon. Mano Ganesan said his party would vote against the Government’s maiden Budget, arguing that it contains expenditure without clear revenue and gives insufficient new provision for hill country Tamils, with much of the allocation tied to Indian-supported projects. He urged the Government to expand Tamil-medium classes in Colombo national schools, continue earlier hill country initiatives, permit reputed foreign universities to operate in Sri Lanka, and adopt pragmatic engagement on projects such as the Hambantota refinery and Trincomalee oil tanks. He also demanded that Minister Bimal Rathnayake table the alleged list of bar licences given as political bribes, while arguing that MPs require proper facilities and vehicles to perform their duties and that such facilities should not be demonized. He rejected suggestions that the Opposition’s absence during the Batalanda debate indicated support for former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, saying any wrongdoing should be pursued through legal action. Appropriation Bill 2025 - Committee Stage (Twenty-sixth Day) and Third Reading Read →
- 21 March 2025 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake - Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation and Leader of the House of Parliament JJB AI summary The Minister presented the 2023 Annual Report of the Vocational Training Authority of Sri Lanka on behalf of the Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education. He moved that the report be referred to the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Education, Manpower and Human Capital, and the motion was agreed to. Papers: Vocational Training Authority Report and Petitions Read →
- 20 March 2025 The Hon. Aravinda Senarath JJB AI summary Aravinda Senarath supported the 2025 Budget’s Finance Ministry expenditure heads, arguing that the Government is shifting Sri Lanka from decades of import dependence toward a production-led economy with a 6 percent growth target. He said record allocations for education and health—Rs. 619 billion and Rs. 604 billion respectively—are key investments in development, and criticized previous administrations for failing to attract investment and relying on taxes on basic goods. He also addressed excise policy, citing the 1912 Excise Ordinance, alleged politically motivated liquor licence issuances between 2022 and 2024, current revenue shortfalls, and the need for a structured discussion on legal and affordable liquor sales in light of social demand. Appropriation Bill, 2025 - Committee Stage Debate Read →
- 19 March 2025 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara raised concerns during the debate on the Ministry’s expenditure head about the legal authority of the Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing to award certificates and diplomas under the Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing (Incorporation) Act No. 41 of 1980. He argued that the Act permits such qualifications only in collaboration with recognized universities and with University Grants Commission concurrence, and asked the Minister to conduct a legal review, regularize past qualifications if necessary, and coordinate with the Education Ministry and UGC to protect affected students and graduates. Committee of Supply: Appropriation Bill 2025 - Head 116 and Related Heads (Trade, Commerce, Food Security) Read →
- 19 March 2025 The Hon. Sunil Kumara Gamage JJB AI summary The Minister acknowledged complaints from various regions about athletes being denied opportunities, particularly in cricket. He said the Ministry is responsible for identifying talent, creating opportunities, and intervening where necessary, and asked that written information or reports from relevant parties be provided so the Ministry can investigate and ensure relief and fairness where possible. Oral Question: Government Sports Complexes (Q.3/2025) Read →
- 19 March 2025 The Hon. Sujeewa Dissanayake JJB AI summary Hon. Sujeewa Dissanayake highlighted the decline in sporting pathways from leading Kurunegala schools in cricket and netball, despite their historic contribution to national teams and championships. He cited the lack of coaching support at Holy Family Convent and the case of under-19 cricketer Akain Amarajeewa, and asked what legal measures would be taken to ensure talented youth receive opportunities without undue interference from old boys’ and old girls’ groups. Oral Question: Government Sports Complexes (Q.3/2025) Read →
- 19 March 2025 The Hon. Sundaralingam Pradeep - Deputy Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure JJB AI summary On behalf of the Minister, Deputy Minister Sundaralingam Pradeep answered a question on the Saumyamoorthi Thondaman Memorial Foundation, stating that it was established under Act No. 19 of 2005 and has an approved cadre of 217, with 181 currently in service. He provided details of the Foundation’s assets across its vocational, cultural, sports and community empowerment institutions, with full inventories tabled, and said 45 Community Empowerment Centres have been established, of which 44 are operational. He reported annual budget allocations from 2020 to 2024 ranging from Rs. 106.2 million to Rs. 172 million, and stated that audits for 2020 and 2021 are complete while financial statements for 2022 to 2024 are being prepared. Oral Question: Saumyamoorthi Thondaman Memorial Foundation (Q.1/2025) Read →
- 19 March 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education JJB AI summary The Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education presented the 2023 Annual Report of the University of Vocational Technology. She moved that the report be referred to the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Education, Manpower and Human Capital, and the motion was agreed to. Tabling of Annual Reports Read →
- 18 March 2025 The Hon. Eranga Gunasekara - Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs JJB AI summary Eranga Gunasekara responded to Opposition criticisms under the Youth Affairs and Sports Vote, arguing that past youth-related allocations had been politicized and citing alleged misuse of Rs. 1,000 million from a 2024 National Youth Services Council allocation, now before COPE. He said the 2025 Budget aims to restore the NYSC and develop youth over a 20–30 year horizon, with funding for “smart” youth societies, multimodal youth centres, IT and English training through “Evening IT,” and a V4R digital platform for young innovators and entrepreneurs. He also denied that the removal of the Sabaragamuwa Provincial NYSC Director was politically motivated, stating it followed Auditor General findings on financial malpractice and falsified documents. Appropriation Bill 2025, Twenty-third Allotted Day - Committee Stage: Heads 149, 303, 194 and 219 (Industry and Entrepreneurship Development; Youth Affairs and Sports) Read →
- 18 March 2025 The Hon. Kanchana Welipitiya JJB AI summary Kanchana Welipitiya defended the Sports and Youth Affairs Ministry, arguing that problems inherited from previous governments cannot be resolved within four months and asking the Opposition to allow time for results. He highlighted Budget allocations for youth programmes, including Rs. 7 million to identify district-level artists and relaunch the National School of Drama in 2026, Rs. 12 million for domestic youth exchange to promote ethnic coexistence, Rs. 10 million for a Youth Film Festival, and Rs. 40 million for National Youth Awards. He also said the Government intends to revive the Belwood Aesthetic Resort under the National Youth Services Council as a centre for rural youth talent development. Appropriation Bill 2025, Twenty-third Allotted Day - Committee Stage: Heads 149, 303, 194 and 219 (Industry and Entrepreneurship Development; Youth Affairs and Sports) Read →
- 18 March 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) M.A.C.S. Chathuri Gangani JJB AI summary Hon. Chathuri Gangani outlined the 2025 allocations for the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, including Rs. 8,486 million for sports, and emphasized expanding opportunities for rural youth and school children. She highlighted women’s achievements in athletics, netball, wrestling and cricket, named several prominent athletes, and said the Government is addressing delayed reward payments through the National Sports Fund subject to Cabinet approval. She also referred to allocations for international tournaments, Presidential Sports Awards, athlete nutrition and travel, the “Kreeda Shakthi” programme, and additional university admission credits for National Sports Festival medalists. Appropriation Bill 2025, Twenty-third Allotted Day - Committee Stage: Heads 149, 303, 194 and 219 (Industry and Entrepreneurship Development; Youth Affairs and Sports) Read →
- 18 March 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Chamindranee Kiriella, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) Chamindranee Kiriella urged the Government to act on youth unemployment, particularly the promised recruitment of 35,000 unemployed graduates, citing about 2,000 affected graduates in Kandy and delays in filling public sector vacancies including in foreign affairs and nursing. She questioned the clarity of recent Cabinet-approved recruitments and asked that graduate job commitments in the NPP manifesto be honoured. She also criticized the lack of new investment-led job creation and requested improved sports infrastructure in Kandy, including at least one synthetic athletics track, referencing the achievements of athlete Tharushi Karunarathna. Appropriation Bill 2025, Twenty-third Allotted Day - Committee Stage: Heads 149, 303, 194 and 219 (Industry and Entrepreneurship Development; Youth Affairs and Sports) Read →
- 18 March 2025 The Hon. Imran Maharoof SJB AI summary Hon. Imran Maharoof, speaking during the Committee Stage debate on the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports allocations, urged the Government to address youth unemployment, inadequate university hostel facilities, and the risk of young people being drawn into drug use. He called for a special programme to protect youth from drugs and for clearer measures to meet the expectations of young voters and unemployed graduates. He highlighted sports development needs in Trincomalee District, including upgrading McHeyzer Grounds, providing proper grounds and facilities in areas such as Thoppur, Kinniya, Mutur, Trincomalee and Thambalagamuwa, and creating pathways for talented swimmers, cricketers, footballers and other athletes. He also requested the resumption of continuous appointments of school sports coaches and a non-discriminatory plan to identify and develop sporting talent in the East. Appropriation Bill 2025, Twenty-third Allotted Day - Committee Stage: Heads 149, 303, 194 and 219 (Industry and Entrepreneurship Development; Youth Affairs and Sports) Read →