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- 27 February 2025 The Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake NDF AI summary Chamara Sampath Dasanayake raised concerns about governance in the Province, alleging that the Governor’s Office is exercising political control through two seconded schoolteachers who are involved in arbitrary transfers of teachers and officers. He asked that this situation be investigated, noting that it is not occurring in other Provinces. He also questioned a graduate registration programme that is creating expectations of employment and sought clarification on the matter. Oral Questions: Power Generation (Q.153/2024), Human-Elephant Conflict (Q.188/2024), Majma Nagar Cemetery (Q.291/2024), Public Service Commission Uva Province (Q.389/2025) Read →
- 27 February 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya JJB AI summary Under the Universities Act, Vice Chancellor appointments are made by the President following University Grants Commission recommendations based on names proposed by University Councils, with no ministerial intervention. For Rajarata, South Eastern and Eastern universities, the UGC rejected earlier proposals due to deficiencies in the marking scheme, notified the universities and the President, and decided to readvertise and restart the process, allowing previous applicants to reapply. The reconstitution of university Councils during this period was described as unrelated to the Vice Chancellor appointments. Regarding the University of Ruhuna, the Minister said the situation was different because the university had become ungovernable amid strikes and access issues, and a Competent Authority was appointed under legal powers while a court case remains pending. Oral Question: Grade 5 Scholarship Exam 2024 - Leak of Questions (Q.105/2024) Read →
- 27 February 2025 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara objected to the Government’s alleged practice of reappointing university Councils and seeking fresh recommendations for Vice Chancellor appointments instead of acting on nominations already made before the change of government. He cited cases involving the Universities of Ruhuna, Rajarata, Eastern and South Eastern, and argued that restarting a process normally begun months in advance was unfair and could disadvantage candidates. He asked what action the Government would take to address the issue. Oral Question: Grade 5 Scholarship Exam 2024 - Leak of Questions (Q.105/2024) Read →
- 27 February 2025 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara raised concerns about the handling of vice chancellor appointments at Rajarata University, Eastern University, and South Eastern University. He alleged that names proposed by university councils appointed before the current Government were sent back and new councils asked to submit fresh names, arguing that university councils are composed of qualified individuals rather than political appointees. He compared this to earlier disputes over vice chancellor appointments and questioned the Government’s consistency on the issue. Oral Question: Grade 5 Scholarship Exam 2024 - Leak of Questions (Q.105/2024) Read →
- 27 February 2025 The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Dayasiri Jayasekara acknowledged the Prime Minister’s response regarding action taken after a Supreme Court decision, then raised a supplementary question on higher education. He specifically sought clarification on the appointment of the Vice Chancellor of the Open University, referencing the Prime Minister’s prior association with that institution. Oral Question: Grade 5 Scholarship Exam 2024 - Leak of Questions (Q.105/2024) Read →
- 27 February 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya JJB AI summary Following a court decision, the relevant authorities set the required cut-off marks and expect the remaining related processes to conclude shortly. The matter was described as having been resolved quickly. Oral Question: Grade 5 Scholarship Exam 2024 - Leak of Questions (Q.105/2024) Read →
- 27 February 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya clarified that only a group of parents sought a re-examination of the Grade 5 Scholarship examination, while others opposed it, and noted that Tamil-medium candidates would also have been affected despite no issue in the Tamil paper. She said an Expert Committee, including child psychologists, was appointed to assess the matter from examination and child mental health perspectives, and that its recommendation was followed to minimize stress and avoid prejudice to results. She stated that she did not directly intervene in the Department of Examinations’ operational work in order to preserve its independence, and explained that delays in releasing cut-off marks were due to court proceedings and an interim order suspending marking. Oral Question: Grade 5 Scholarship Exam 2024 - Leak of Questions (Q.105/2024) Read →
- 27 February 2025 Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara questioned the handling of the Grade 5 Scholarship Examination issue affecting 319,000 students, noting that although action was taken against offenders, the decision to adjust marking rather than re-hold the exam had created concerns about fairness. He said some students who did not attempt the disputed questions may have gained an advantage over those who did. He also raised concern that Grade 6 admissions had proceeded without cut-off marks being issued, causing overcrowding and shortages of classroom facilities, and requested immediate action to resolve the situation. Oral Question: Grade 5 Scholarship Exam 2024 - Leak of Questions (Q.105/2024) Read →
- 27 February 2025 Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya provided details on the 2024 Grade 5 Scholarship Examination, stating that 323,901 students applied and 319,284 sat the exam, and that investigations found three conceptually similar questions had been shared in a private tuition WhatsApp group before the examination. She outlined the Supreme Court’s ruling on related Fundamental Rights applications, including orders to implement a remedial measure and pay State costs, and described departmental and disciplinary actions against officials and teachers involved. She also listed planned preventive measures, including stronger security in confidential branches, CCTV upgrades, reduced human intervention in paper preparation, tighter supervision, and restrictions on mobile phone use at examination centres. Oral Question: Grade 5 Scholarship Exam 2024 - Leak of Questions (Q.105/2024) Read →
- 27 February 2025 Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara asked the Prime Minister and Minister of Education to provide details on the 2024 Grade 5 Scholarship Examination, including the number of candidates and whether any exam papers or contents had been leaked to external parties before the examination. He sought information on actions taken regarding any leak, remedies for affected students, and whether evaluation of answer scripts had been suspended, including the reasons for any suspension. Oral Question: Grade 5 Scholarship Exam 2024 - Leak of Questions (Q.105/2024) Read →
- 25 February 2025 The Hon. Sundaralingam Pradeep - Deputy Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister supported the 2025 Budget, stating that it allocates resources equitably across regions and communities, with particular attention to long-standing housing, documentation, language, education, and welfare issues faced by Malaiyaha plantation communities. He said the Government plans to complete 700 pending Indian-funded houses and build 4,700 new estate houses this year, renovate 75 line-room clusters under “Clean Sri Lanka,” assist residents with civil documents, and provide individual houses based on need. He also referred to the proposed Rs. 1,700 daily wage for estate workers, nutrition measures for estate students, and efforts to address school dropouts and infrastructure shortages in estate schools, especially in Ratnapura District. The speech contrasted the current Government’s approach with past political neglect and alleged partisan practices in plantation areas. Second Reading Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 (Continuation Day 7) Read →
- 25 February 2025 The Hon. R. M. Gamini Rathnayake JJB AI summary Hon. R. M. Gamini Rathnayake supported the 2025 Budget, stating that it fairly distributes the benefits of production and provides record allocations of Rs. 619 billion for education and Rs. 604 billion for health. He also highlighted funding for State digitalization as part of a new economic direction. Responding to Opposition criticism that the Budget is IMF-driven and underfunds key sectors, he cited an international survey indicating increased Government popularity from 24 per cent to 62 per cent within less than six months. Second Reading Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 (Continuation Day 7) Read →
- 25 February 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Nandana Millagala JJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Nandana Millagala supported the 2025 Appropriation Bill, arguing that it initiates a broader social and economic transformation under the National People’s Power Government. He criticized Opposition arguments as fear-driven and inconsistent, while stating that the Government intends to use economic policy for public-oriented development rather than technical or personal gain. He highlighted planned State investment across 26 sectors and 287 projects, with particular emphasis on the Rs. 619 billion allocation for education, describing it as central to national development and the continuation of free education’s social purpose. Second Reading Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 (Continuation Day 7) Read →
- 25 February 2025 The Hon. (Dr.) Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana SJB AI summary Hon. Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana acknowledged budget allocations for the Jaffna Library and nutrition programmes, but argued that the Government had not fulfilled key promises on education, including tax relief on school stationery and adequate support for school facilities such as water and sanitation. He questioned the use of Rs. 6,000 vouchers for low-income students and said health-related tax burdens and shortages in public hospitals were forcing people to spend more privately. He also criticised the paddy procurement allocation as insufficient, arguing that reliance on private millers could raise rice prices and worsen living costs for ordinary families. Second Reading Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 (Continuation Day 7) Read →
- 25 February 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) M.A.C.S. Chathuri Gangani JJB AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) M.A.C.S. Chathuri Gangani supported the Budget as a people-centred response to the economic crisis, highlighting expanded welfare allocations including Aswesuma, support for persons with disabilities and kidney patients, and measures for women’s and children’s protection. She cited specific proposals for maternal nutrition, Thriposha funding, facilities for children with autism and neurodevelopmental disorders, increased health and education allocations, higher preschool meal and teacher allowances, increased scholarships and university stipends, and larger allowances for sports school students. Referring to Moneragala, she emphasized support for rural women, poor families, and talented children facing economic hardship. Second Reading Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 (Continuation Day 7) Read →
- 25 February 2025 The Hon. (Prof.) L.M. Abeywickrama JJB AI summary Hon. (Prof.) L.M. Abeywickrama defended the Budget as a national, economy-wide plan prepared under severe poverty and food insecurity, rather than a set of sectoral allocations. He highlighted increased spending on education, school nutrition, rural transport, roads, seed production, smart agriculture, livestock, minor irrigation, research and development, and scientific waste management. He argued that these measures would support agriculture, industry, public services, and sectors such as tea and cinnamon, while rejecting Opposition claims on crime trends by citing homicide and grievous injury statistics for 2023 and 2024. Second Reading Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 (Continuation Day 7) Read →
- 25 February 2025 The Hon. (Mrs.) Anushka Thilakarathne, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Anushka Thilakarathne supported the NPP Government’s inaugural Budget, arguing that the electoral mandate was for economic stabilization, accountable public finance, and social transformation after failed past governance. Focusing on education and basic services in Nuwara Eliya, she said estate and rural communities face severe hardship, including poor school transport, weak primary education, poverty, malnutrition, teenage pregnancy, and unsafe youth employment. She highlighted Budget provisions for marginalized groups and a Rs. 108.7 billion allocation for rural drinking water, citing acute shortages in Kotmale. She urged fiscal discipline and prioritization, rejecting demands for additional perks, posts, or vehicles while stating the Government would work to fulfil the public mandate. Second Reading Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 (Continuation Day 7) Read →
- 25 February 2025 The Hon. Roshan Akmeemana JJB AI summary Hon. Roshan Akmeemana stated that the Budget prioritizes modernization of public and rail transport rather than privatization, and proposes strengthening state-owned enterprises through a holding company to generate returns without selling profitable assets. He said the Government will address public service staffing gaps, allocate record funds to education and health, increase Aswesuma and research and development funding, and pursue a model based on economic democracy, social justice, and environmental quality. Second Reading Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 (Continuation Day 7) Read →
- 25 February 2025 The Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam ACTC AI summary Hon. G.G. Ponnambalam assessed the Budget against whether it marked a substantive departure from past policies affecting Tamils in the North and East, arguing that it lacked targeted measures for war-affected districts despite the Government’s stated commitments. He questioned allocations for northern roads and the Jaffna Library, called for protectionist and special economic provisions for the North and East, and highlighted disparities in district capital funding. He also raised concerns over the militarization of preschool education, land seizures by the Forest Department and High Security Zones, dairy land disputes in Mayilathamadu and Madhavanai, and irrigation projects such as Maduru Oya and Lower Malwathu Oya, warning that these could perpetuate displacement and colonization unless addressed. Second Reading Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 (Day 1-7) Read →
- 25 February 2025 The Hon. Sarath Kumara, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary Hon. Sarath Kumara defended the 2025 Budget as a credible and socially responsive programme aimed at justice, equality and economic transformation, contrasting it with previous budgets he said had not materialized. He highlighted allocations for health, education, transport, agriculture, security, public administration and Rs. 749 billion for social protection, alongside salary and stipend increases and measures for farmers, estate workers, fisherfolk, students, public servants and private-sector workers. He said the Budget would be financed through projected revenue of Rs. 4,990 billion and domestic and foreign borrowing against expenditure of Rs. 8,835 billion, and emphasized digitization, infrastructure rehabilitation and research funding while criticizing alleged misuse of youth funds under the previous administration. Second Reading Debate: Appropriation Bill 2025 (Day 1-7) Read →