Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa says education reforms must ensure inclusivity and recognize education as a fundamental human right, not merely a service or privilege.
Speaking in Parliament during the debate on proposed education reforms, Premadasa stressed that a strong conceptual framework is essential to carry out reforms effectively. He said that unlike the British parliamentary tradition, where a green paper is followed by a white paper, the current government has failed to present any such policy document.
He added that the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) has already developed such a framework and presented it at previous elections as part of a broader social contract. “We need to go beyond PowerPoint presentations and move toward informed, structured dialogue for meaningful reform,” he said.
Premadasa noted that the current education system in Sri Lanka is outdated and trapped in traditional, inefficient structures. He warned that this results in significant injustice to the student population, and emphasized that education, along with healthcare and livelihoods, must be treated as fundamental rights under any constitutional reform.
Commenting on the lack of clarity in the government’s proposals, he said the Prime Minister’s presentation lacked detail on implementation strategies, timelines, and measurable outcomes. He also criticized the plan for failing to address issues in pre-school education, rural school development, and scientific and mathematics education.
Premadasa highlighted the need for education to evolve with modern technology, calling for the integration of Artificial Intelligence, data science, quantum computing, and machine learning. He called for a shift from rote learning to a system that fosters critical thinking and problem-solving among students.
He also pointed out that English-medium education should be implemented across all schools to strengthen skills in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM).
Raising concerns about teacher welfare, infrastructure, and the need for a clear plan to train over 240,000 teachers, he said reforms cannot succeed without addressing these core issues.
Premadasa further stressed the importance of making History a compulsory subject, saying it plays a critical role in shaping national identity and values.
He concluded by calling for an end to inequality in the education system, stating that all children—regardless of their background—must have equal opportunities through a truly free and inclusive education system. (Newswire)
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