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 March 2025 The Hon. Asoka Sapumal Ranwala JJB AI summary Hon. Asoka Sapumal Ranwala emphasized the need to strengthen basic science awareness across all school streams, including Commerce, by establishing Science Clubs or societies throughout the school system. He noted Budget allocations, including Rs. 100 million under the national science and technology policy, to support ongoing research, commercialization of completed projects, and intellectual property protection. He said institutions such as the Inventors’ Commission and NSF would help support innovators financially, socially, and commercially, and welcomed the provisions made to strengthen these bodies. Appropriation Bill, 2025 – Committee Stage Debate (Heads 186, 196, 227) Read →
- 11 March 2025 The Hon. Asoka Sapumal Ranwala JJB AI summary Asoka Sapumal Ranwala argued that the Ministry of Science and Technology had suffered from discontinuity, downgrading and institutional fragmentation since 2005, leaving it unable to guide national policy effectively. He said the current Budget gives the Ministry renewed prominence, including allocations for institutional reorganization, development projects, National Quality Infrastructure Systems and innovation. He called for scientific determinations to guide technical decisions across government, stronger inter-ministerial coordination, and a grassroots “scientific renaissance” to counter superstition and promote public trust in science. Appropriation Bill, 2025 – Committee Stage Debate (Heads 186, 196, 227) Read →
- 11 March 2025 The Hon. Ravindra Bandara AI summary Ravindra Bandara argued that the Budget gives unprecedented emphasis to research and development, citing Rs. 20.9 billion for R&D and a separate Rs. 1,000 million Innovation and New Products Fund, while noting Sri Lanka’s low R&D spending compared with countries such as Japan, South Korea and Thailand. He called for stronger research grants, better oversight of bodies such as the NSF and NRC, rationalized use of expensive equipment through a central research facility, and systematic review of past research for commercialization and national impact. He proposed focusing research on agriculture, wildlife damage, patents, solar power, smart grids, AI-based transport systems, construction materials, health products and children’s creativity, with State support to scale innovations and build a productive economy. Appropriation Bill, 2025 – Committee Stage Debate (Heads 186, 196, 227) Read →
- 11 March 2025 The Hon. Lasith Bhashana Gamage JJB AI summary Hon. Lasith Bhashana Gamage defended the 2025 allocations for Science and Technology and the Digital Economy, stating that research funding is spread across several ministries and institutions, contrary to claims that only a small amount is allocated for research facilitation. He highlighted increased funding for technology, research, medical research, and digitalization projects, and said past “gene theft” raised accountability concerns. He proposed that Parliament itself adopt digital practices by replacing printed materials with electronic documents and digitizing internal processes, while calling on academics who benefited from free education to support science, technology, and human resource development across the country. Appropriation Bill, 2025 – Committee Stage Debate (Heads 186, 196, 227) Read →
- 11 March 2025 The Hon. Lasith Bhashana Gamage JJB AI summary Hon. Lasith Bhashana Gamage supported the Science and Technology Ministry expenditure head, highlighting the Government’s creation of a Ministry of Digital Economy and arguing that long-term national planning is needed to align human resources, education and economic priorities. He said technology must be extended across sectors, particularly agriculture, where outdated practices are driving youth away and limiting productivity. He proposed practical measures such as deploying drones, irrigation and fertilizer technologies, nano-fertilizers, strengthening Vidatha centre officers, and supporting SMEs, youth and women through systematic technology programmes. Appropriation Bill, 2025 – Committee Stage Debate (Heads 186, 196, 227) Read →
- 11 March 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nihal Abeysinghe JJB AI summary Dr. Nihal Abeysinghe supported the expenditure head of the Ministry of Science and Technology, highlighting the Government’s move to bring 12 science and technology institutions under one ministry for coordinated planning, review, and alignment with policy priorities. He said the Ministry should mobilize Sri Lankan scientists and professionals abroad and apply research, digitalization, and new technology to food security, paddy yield improvement, domestic fertilizer production, export quality, poverty reduction, infrastructure, renewable energy, vehicle accessibility, and health services. He emphasized that science and technology should be used to address the country’s economic and social challenges and to support sustainable improvements in living standards. Appropriation Bill, 2025 – Committee Stage Debate (Heads 186, 196, 227) Read →
- 11 March 2025 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Ravi Karunanayake urged greater emphasis on STEM education, including coding, artificial intelligence, and robotics, to prepare students for future employment. He noted that while about 176,000 students pass the Advanced Level Examination, only around 55,000 enter government universities, and called for private universities to expand higher education opportunities. He also requested the introduction of data protection laws and linked legal reform to the issue of roughly one million pending court cases. Appropriation Bill, 2025 – Committee Stage Debate (Heads 186, 196, 227) Read →
- 11 March 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Chrishantha Abeysena - Minister of Science and Technology JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Chrishantha Abeysena outlined the institutions, funding and policy direction under the Ministry of Science and Technology, noting over Rs. 5,000 million for the Ministry and its agencies, Rs. 1,000 million for an Innovation Fund, and a broader Rs. 20.98 billion Budget allocation for science, technology and innovation. He said the Government would update and adopt the Research and Development Policy through NASTEC, establish national research priorities and a Treasury-linked funding mechanism from 2026, and strengthen commercialization through the National Initiative for Research and Development Commercialization. He also highlighted efforts to engage overseas Sri Lankan scientists, add value to local resources, and commercialize specific research outputs, including supercapacitors for electric vehicles, locally developed antivenom, and agricultural technologies to reduce chemical fertilizer use. Appropriation Bill, 2025 – Committee Stage Debate (Heads 186, 196, 227) Read →
- 11 March 2025 The Hon. Dilith Jayaweera SB AI summary Hon. Dilith Jayaweera questioned whether the Budget allocations for the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Ministry of Digital Economy match the NPP Government’s policy commitments on research and development. He cited low R&D spending compared with other countries and argued that the Rs. 5 billion allocation is largely recurrent rather than directed to capital formation, innovation, agricultural productivity, or wealth creation. He criticized the Budget as overly shaped by IMF revenue-raising requirements and urged the Government to adopt a more creative strategy to reduce poverty and support the underprivileged. Appropriation Bill, 2025 – Committee Stage Debate (Heads 186, 196, 227) Read →
- 11 March 2025 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa SJB AI summary Hon. Sajith Premadasa questioned the Government on graduate unemployment and the mismatch between education and employment, seeking data on public spending per student, studies on graduate job search periods, and plans for 580 local medical graduates awaiting internships. He asked how the Government will implement the National People’s Power pledge to employ 35,000 unemployed graduates, including sectoral recruitment numbers, budget allocations, and whether selection will use skills-based criteria or competitive examinations. He also called for targeted reforms for Arts graduates, age-relaxed access to public competitive exams up to 45 years, and a meeting led by the Prime Minister to present concrete solutions to unemployed graduates. Procedural Matters: Standing Order 27(2) Question on Graduate Unemployment Read →
- 11 March 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi - Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs JJB AI summary The Minister tabled an answer stating that registration of Arabic colleges is handled by the Department of Muslim Religious and Cultural Affairs, while individual colleges currently conduct their own final examinations and issue certificates. He said a revised syllabus and curriculum have been drafted and sent to the Ministry of Education for approval, after which a unified examination system for Arabic colleges will be implemented, with related annexures placed in the Library. Oral Questions: Moulavi Certificate and Regidale Estate Read →
- 11 March 2025 The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka (on behalf of the Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah) SJB AI summary Asked whether the Minister is aware that Arabic colleges are registered under the Department of Muslim Religious and Cultural Affairs and currently conduct separate examinations to award the Moulavi Certificate. Sought clarification on whether the Government intends to introduce a common examination for awarding the certificate, and if not, the reasons for not doing so. Oral Questions: Moulavi Certificate and Regidale Estate Read →
- 10 March 2025 Hon. Members AI summary The Committee agreed to increase the Recurrent Expenditure allocation by Rs. 207.2 billion and the Capital Expenditure allocation by Rs. 65.7 billion, and ordered both amended expenditures to stand part of the Schedule. It then recorded allocations under Head 126 for the Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, including operational and development programme expenditures for recurrent and capital activities. Appropriation Bill, 2025 – Seventeenth Allotted Day – Committee Stage Read →
- 10 March 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education JJB AI summary Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya said the Government is pursuing education reforms collectively while addressing inherited unfinished projects, corruption, and weakened institutions. She corrected the Opposition’s claim on education spending, stating that the current allocation is 1.9 per cent of GDP for the remaining eight months of the year, with a progressive target of reaching 6 per cent alongside improved system capacity. She outlined plans for public service salary increases, greater transparency in Vice-Chancellor appointments, systematic expansion of English-medium education, reform of the Grade 5 Scholarship Exam by 2028 to reduce pressure, and the development of two years of early childhood education in coordination with the relevant ministry. Appropriation Bill, 2025 – Seventeenth Allotted Day – Committee Stage Read →
- 10 March 2025 The Hon. Amila Prasad SJB AI summary Hon. Amila Prasad argued that Sri Lanka’s education system must be reformed to prepare children for future labour markets, particularly the period after 2045, rather than focusing only on current curricula or past expenditure. He highlighted past education initiatives by right-of-centre governments, defended the Opposition Leader’s “Sakwala” programme as a non-election initiative supporting ICT access and schools, and called for acknowledgement of such efforts. He urged reconsideration of the 1982 Education White Paper’s proposals, including wider scope for private and vocational education while preserving free education, and questioned the efficiency of spending in small schools compared with larger schools. He also raised concern over shortages of science and mathematics teachers at A/L level due to salary pressures. Appropriation Bill, 2025 – Seventeenth Allotted Day – Committee Stage Read →
- 10 March 2025 The Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe - Deputy Minister of Labour JJB AI summary Deputy Minister Mahinda Jayasinghe said the Government has made education a top Budget priority, allocating Rs. 619 billion and moving to fill long-standing vacancies in teaching, principals’ posts, the Education Administrative Service, and the Teacher Educators’ Service. He argued that simply designating schools as National Schools without resources was ineffective and said the policy should be to treat all schools equitably. Addressing the teachers’ and principals’ salary anomaly, he stated that recent salary increases exceed earlier union monetary demands but do not fully resolve the structural anomaly, which the NPP policy pledges to address along with establishing a Teachers’ Council and improving the status of the teaching profession. Appropriation Bill, 2025 – Seventeenth Allotted Day – Committee Stage Read →
- 10 March 2025 The Hon. Gnanamuththu Srineshan ITAK AI summary Gnanamuththu Srineshan supported the appointment of a qualified Education Minister and urged the Ministry to prioritize equitable education for poor students in difficult and very difficult areas, particularly in Batticaloa District. He highlighted shortages of teachers and technology, unsafe conditions caused by elephant intrusions near schools, and deprived conditions in areas including Vakarai, Kattumurivu and related villages. He also raised salary and seniority anomalies affecting Teacher Advisors and requested revised scales consistent with their position in the education hierarchy. On higher education, he called for university programmes to be aligned with employment opportunities and asked that the pending appointment of a competent and honest Vice-Chancellor for Eastern University be expedited. Appropriation Bill, 2025 – Seventeenth Allotted Day – Committee Stage Read →
- 10 March 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Saroja Savithri Paulraj - Minister of Women and Child Affairs JJB AI summary Minister Saroja Savithri Paulraj supported the Budget’s increased education allocations, arguing that education and health should be treated as fundamental rights and highlighting measures such as learning-material grants, free footwear and uniforms, nutrition programmes, increased university stipends, Mahapola and bursaries, and Rs. 15.4 billion for TVET. She noted Rs. 2.78 billion for student loan schemes, salary increases for teachers and principals, and targeted support for children at risk of dropping out or in institutional care. As Minister of Women and Child Affairs, she emphasized gender equality in education, citing Rs. 1.4 billion for sanitary pads for schoolgirls over 13, and called for adult education for women and the integration of preschool education into the national education system with curriculum standards and teacher training pathways. Appropriation Bill, 2025 – Seventeenth Allotted Day – Committee Stage Read →
- 10 March 2025 The Hon. Chanaka Madugoda SLPP AI summary Hon. Chanaka Madugoda welcomed increased education allocations while urging the Government to complete implementation of teacher salary improvements linked to the Subodhini Committee recommendations. He asked that school stationery support be extended according to household need rather than school size, and sought corrective action on stalled national school initiatives. He also proposed induction training for newly appointed principals, a clearer policy on English-medium education, expedited Education Administrative Service appointments, review of university staff salary anomalies, a permanent principal for Milagiriya St. Paul’s Girls’ School, and measures to address Tamil-medium teacher shortages and vocational institute staff out-migration. Appropriation Bill, 2025 – Seventeenth Allotted Day – Committee Stage Read →
- 10 March 2025 The Hon. Rajeevan Jeyachandramoorthy JJB AI summary Hon. Rajeevan Jeyachandramoorthy supported the Education Ministry allocation, citing Rs. 271 billion for eight months and outlining government plans for sports schools, preschool teacher pay increases, school infrastructure improvements, curriculum reform, and major teacher and education service recruitments from 2025. He highlighted poor sanitation and water facilities in teacher training institutions, disparities between elite and rural schools, and lower employability among graduates of Eastern and Jaffna Universities due to course-market mismatch. He also requested intervention to issue long-delayed original certificates for teacher trainees who completed training between 2010 and 2016. Appropriation Bill, 2025 – Seventeenth Allotted Day – Committee Stage Read →