The Government is also focusing on ensuring uninterrupted 13-year education for plantation sector schoolchildren and expanding Tamil-language vocational education.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya has instructed officials to submit, within one week, a report on the condition of every school affected by Cyclone Ditwah.

The Prime Minister made these remarks at a special discussion held in Parliament today (09) regarding plantation sector schools.

During this meeting, special attention was given to the damage caused to plantation sector schools by Cyclone Ditwah and the measures taken in response, as well as issues relating to land ownership, teacher vacancies, school development, and reconstruction. The discussion also focused on schools in the Uva, Sabaragamuwa, and Central Provinces that had suffered complete or partial damage or needed to be relocated.

Minister Samantha Vidyarathna stated that the Government is taking necessary measures to restore the affected schools and that actions are already underway. However, it was revealed that there has been inadequate coordination between the line ministry and the Provincial Councils in obtaining accurate data on the situation.

Addressing the meeting, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated:

Following Cyclone Ditwah, officials have had to provide various reports through the Provincial Councils. Therefore, the Ministry must pay close attention to this matter and take steps to collect accurate data. Merely assigning children from affected schools to other schools does not resolve the issue. We need to conduct proper follow-up to determine whether those children are actually attending school, whether they are receiving an education, and what difficulties they are experiencing.

Although some children have been assigned to other schools, some have not attended. We must urgently find out what has happened to those children. Immediate attention should also be given to the establishment of temporary schools. As a Government, we are committed to intervening on behalf of all children, but accurate data is essential for that purpose. There is a responsible officer for the plantation sector schools, and the Ministry should coordinate with that officer to obtain reliable information. Provincial Directors of Education, as well as Provincial Council officials, must also be properly coordinated. Members of Parliament should also play an active role in this effort.

We are taking steps to train Tamil-speaking teachers separately to address the teacher shortages in Tamil-medium schools. Further, during this round of teacher recruitment, we will fill fifty percent of the existing teacher vacancies in provincial schools. Once appointments are made, teachers will be required to serve at their assigned schools for a period of five years.

The Prime Minister further stated that the Government is focusing not only on ensuring uninterrupted 13-year education for children in estate sector schools but also on promoting Tamil-language vocational education.

The event was attended by Minister Samantha Vidyarathna, Deputy Ministers Madhura Seneviratne and Sundaralingam Pradeep, Members of Parliament, education officials, and several other participants.

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Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the Government has implemented a comprehensive programme to assist the fishing community and micro, small, medium, and large-scale entrepreneurs affected by Cyclone Ditwah in rebuilding their livelihoods.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while responding to questions in Parliament today (09) regarding the relief measures introduced for those affected by the disaster.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated:

The Ministry of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources has initiated a special assistance programme for both marine and inland fishermen affected by Cyclone Ditwah. Under this programme, new fishing vessels will be provided to replace those that were completely destroyed, while partially damaged vessels will be repaired. The distribution of fishing nets to eligible fishermen has also commenced.

To support the recovery of businesses damaged by the cyclone, the Government has introduced a concessional loan scheme carrying an annual interest rate of 3 per cent. The programme, with a total allocation of Rs. 10,000 million, is being implemented through 15 banks. As at 28 April 2026, loans amounting to Rs. 3,812 millionhad been disbursed to 2,800 entrepreneurs. The scheme offers a repayment period of up to three years, including a six-month grace period, with the objective of enabling businesses to resume operations without delay. Applicants are required to obtain recommendations from the Grama Niladhari and the Divisional Secretary certifying that the business was operational before the cyclone and that it was affected by the disaster.

The Prime Minister further stated that, on the instructions of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, licensed banks have granted a moratorium on loan repayments and waived penalty interest until 31 January 2026. The Prime Minister also emphasized that compensation payments to affected entrepreneurs are continuing in accordance with the relevant ministerial circulars and disaster relief guidelines.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

Decisions must be made based on accurate data management to build an education system with equal opportunities for all.

Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, stated that as a government committed to ensuring the future of the nation’s children, it is essential to establish an education system in which every child can equally experience quality education. The Prime Minister emphasized that decisions must be made based on accurate data, sound policies, and technological evidence in order to achieve this goal.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while attending the official launch of the first phase of the Human Resources Module of the National Education Management Information System (NEMIS) and the pilot project of the e-Thaksalawa Learning Management System (LMS), held at Temple Trees on 6th of June 2026.

The National Education Management Information System has been developed to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of human resource management and administration, which are among the five key pillars of the ongoing education reforms.

Previously, each province operated its own independent information systems, and through this new platform, it is expected to manage all information relating to both national and provincial schools under a single integrated system. Accordingly, the first phase, the Human Resources Module, was officially launched. Under this initial module, teacher transfers in the provinces of Sabaragamuwa, Western, Southern, and North Western will be managed through the system, with plans to expand it island-wide in due course.

The remaining modules to be introduced in the future are designed to facilitate comprehensive human resource management for all academic staff in schools.

This initiative has been implemented through the collaborative efforts of the Prime Minister’s Office, the Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, the Ministry of Digital Economy, the Task Force on Digital Transformation in Education, provincial and zonal education authorities, technical teams, and the Sri Lanka Air Force.

Simultaneously, the pilot project of the e-Thaksalawa Learning Management System (LMS) was also launched, aiming to expand digital learning opportunities and enhance the teaching, learning, and assessment processes for students.

Addressing the occasion, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated:

Instead of allowing different sectors of the education system to function in isolation, we are integrating educational administration, the delivery of education, and educational content into a one framework. What we have embarked upon is by no means a minor undertaking.

Digitalisation is importance to our government. We must evolve and move forward with rapidly changing world. We believe that digitalisation is essential in order to deliver the public services more efficiently and transparently. In particular, the education reforms we will implement in the future require accurate data. Through the National Education Management Information System, we will be able to obtain reliable data while ensuring transparency and quality in education.

All national schools will be incorporated into this system in the near future. Teacher data from several provincial schools have already been entered. Through this platform, we expect to manage teacher recruitment, transfers, promotions, and other services related to the education sector in a transparent and efficient manner.

When digitalising public services, we must also nurture citizens with the knowledge and skills to use them. The primary responsibility for this lies with the education sector. That is why we have planned to build human capital through the e-Thaksalawa Learning Management System.

Digitalisation is not a substitute for teachers. Education is fundamentally besed on human relationship. No matter how much technology is available in classrooms, learning does not happen automatically. It is the teacher who engages directly with students. Therefore, digital technology should serve as a tool that empowers teachers and further enhances their importance.

By using digitalisation, we intend to address key challenges such as providing high-quality education to under-resourced schools, ensuring that every school benefits from the expertise of capable teachers, and creating educational opportunities for children with special needs. Our vision is to use digitalisation to nurture humane, enlightened citizens who are prepared for the future.

During the event, commemorative plaques were presented by the Prime Minister to officials representing the Sabaragamuwa, Eastern, and Uva Provinces, as well as to officers of the Sri Lanka Air Force, in recognition of their contribution to the development of the first phase of the National Education Management Information System.

The occasion was attended by the Deputy Minister of Digital Economy Eranga Weeraratne, Secretary to the Prime Minister Pradeep Saputhanthri, Secretary to the Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education Nalaka Kaluwewa, and Secretary to the Ministry of Digital Economy Waruna Sri Dhanapala, and Chief Secretaries of Provincial Councils, the Commander of the Sri Lanka Air Force, Provincial Secretaries of Education, provincial education authorities, senior officials representing the Prime Minister’s Office, the Ministry of Digital Economy and the Ministry of Education, as well as members of the Task Force on the Digital Transformation of Education and senior officers of the Sri Lanka Air Force.

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The ceremonial occasion of presenting the Sri Sannas Patra to the Most Venerable Panditha Walpola Vimalagnana Mahanayaka Thero, Chief Incumbent of the Peliyagoda Gangaramaya and Aggamaha Saddhammajotikadhaja, Dhammasenapathi, and Bhashanthara Visharada, conferring the title of Mahanayaka of the Ariyawansa Saddhamma Yukthika Chapter of the Maha Viharavanshika Sri Lanka Amarapura Maha Nikaya, was held on June 06 at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall with the participation of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.

The ceremonial occasion was held under the patronage of the Most Venerable Karagoda Uyangoda Maithree Moorthi Nayaka Thero, Mahanayaka of the Maha Viharavanshika Sri Lanka Amarapura Maha Nikaya. During the event, the Prime Minister formally presented the Sri Sannas Patra conferring the office of Mahanayaka upon the Most Venerable Walpola Vimalagnana Thero.

The occasion was graced by the presence of members of the Maha Sangha representing the three Nikayas, clergy of other faiths, Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne, Deputy Minister of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Gamagedara Dissanayake, distinguished invitees, and lay devotees.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the Open University is the only university within the state higher education system that allows working people to enroll in higher education at any stage of their lives, and that the Government is committed to supporting and strengthening this institution.

The Prime Minister made these remarks during a discussion held on June 05 with the academic staff, administrative officers, and public officials at the Kurunegala Regional Centre of the Open University.

The meeting focused on finding permanent solutions to several issues faced by the Kurunegala Regional Centre for a long time of period, including the lack of adequate space. Discussions were held on allocating land for future expansion, as well as improving lecture halls, infrastructure, and sanitation facilities.

Addressing at the occasion, the Prime Minister stated:

If the land required to resolve the space constraints of the Open University has already been identified, we must move forward with planning the next steps. Attention should be given to securing the necessary funding and commencing the project without delay. The Open University is the only state university that allows working people to pursue higher education at any stage of their lives. Therefore, the Government is committed to supporting its development.

Speaking to the media afterwards, the Prime Minister also highlighted several ongoing education initiatives.

The Prime Minister noted that the Government officially launched its education digitalization programme today and emphasized that education reforms are progressing steadily. Preparations are underway to introduce curriculum reforms for Grade 6 and Grade 2 in 2027. The textbooks required for the second and third school terms under this year’s Grade 1 education reform have already been distributed, while teacher training programmes for next year are also being launched. The Prime Minister further stated that, following discussions with the Public Service Commission, approval has been granted to proceed with the Teacher Efficiency Bar Examinations, and the Government expects to resolve that issue within this year. The Prime Minister also announced that Cabinet approval has been received to address the salary anomalies affecting school principals, and that the Ministry is taking the necessary steps to implement the decision, thereby resolving an issue that principals have faced for many years.

The occasion was attended by the Kurunegala District Member of Parliament Dharmapriya Dissanayake and Members of Parliament, the Director of the Kurunegala Regional Centre of the Open University, Mr. Anushka Bandara, academic and administrative staff.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, stated that preschool education is considered the most critical stage in shaping a child’s future educational journey, and the government is committed to ensuring quality of Early Childhood Education. The Prime Minister further emphasized the need for proper supervision and monitoring of early childhood education programmes across all provinces.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while participating in a certificate awarding ceremony held on June 05 at the Kurunegala Provincial Council Auditorium for diploma holders of the 2023/2024 Preschool Teacher Training Diploma Programme conducted by the North Western Preschool Teacher Training College during her education inspection tour in the Kurunegala District.

The diploma awarding ceremony was jointly organized by the Early Childhood Education Development Authority and the North Western Provincial Council. The North Western Preschool Teacher Training College is one of Sri Lanka’s leading state training institutions dedicated to strengthening early childhood education, particularly within the North Western Province.

During the event, invited speakers briefed the newly qualified diploma holders on the Government’s policy direction regarding early childhood development.

Addressing the gathering after presenting diploma certificates to the Diploma Holders, the Prime Minister stated:

We are planning to establish stability in early childhood education over the next few years. In order to achieve this, we are working in collaboration with the National Education Commission, the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs, and the Ministry of Education to develop policies, standards for teacher training, and the regulatory mechanisms required for effective monitoring and implementation.

We are also making arrangements to commence preschool teacher training programmes this year. Through these efforts, we expect to introduce a common curriculum for preschools across the country by 2027. It is equally important to create a proper understanding within society about the purpose and value of preschool education.

The primary objective of preschool education is to prepare children for their future primary education. Therefore, preschool education should focus on developing essential skills such as motor abilities and other age-appropriate competencies.

As parents and adults, it is our responsibility to ensure the path for children to develop social skills and knowledge in ways that are suitable for their age, without placing unnecessary burdens on them. As preschool teachers, you play a significant role in communicating to society what we truly expect from early childhood education

The event was attended by the Governor of the North Western Province, Tissa Warnasuriya; Deputy Minister of Women and Child Affairs, Namal Sudarshana; Members of Parliament for the Kurunegala District, Dharmapriya Dissanayake and Ashoka Gunasekara; the Chief Secretary of the North Western Province; the Director and officials of the North Western Province Early Childhood Development Authority

Prime Minister’s Media Division