Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya held separate discussions with Buddhist and Catholic religious leaders to seek their support and input on ongoing and upcoming reforms in the country’s education system.
In a meeting held at Temple Trees with members of the Samastha Lanka Shasanarakshaka Balamandalaya, chaired by Ven. Prof. Thumbulle Seelakkhanda Thera, the focus was on challenges faced by Dhamma schools.
Issues discussed included the need to halt tuition classes on Sundays and Poya days, prevent scheduling of school exams and sports competitions on Dhamma school exam days, address teacher shortages, and provide necessary learning materials.
The Prime Minister also discussed proposals to award additional marks for university admission to students who have passed Dharmacharya exams and to further improve the structure and value of Dhamma education.
Religious leaders at the meeting included Maha Lekhakadhikari Ven. Mugunuwela Anuruddha Thera. Also present were Deputy Minister of Buddhist Affairs Gamagedara Dissanayake, Prime Minister’s Secretary Pradeep Saputhanthri, and Commissioner General of Buddhist Affairs K.W. Welahera.
Separately, on July 7, Prime Minister Amarasuriya met with His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith and senior bishops at the Archbishop’s official residence in Colombo to discuss upcoming educational reforms set to be implemented from 2026.
During the meeting, she emphasized the reforms’ focus on instilling moral values in students and offering vocational pathways for those outside the mainstream academic system, with the goal of enabling their contribution to national development. Plans include integrating vocational training in fields such as agriculture, fisheries, electrical engineering, and automobile repair directly within schools.
The Prime Minister, joined by Education Secretary Nalaka Kaluwewa, also outlined measures to ensure quality education through expert teacher recruitment and formalizing the selection process.
The session was attended by His Eminence Harold Anthony, President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Sri Lanka, and other Catholic bishops. (Newswire)
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