Mr. H.E. Yusuf TEKIN, Minister of National Education of the Republic of Turkiye, paid a courtesy call on the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, on 24 July at Parliament.

Welcoming the Minister, the Prime Minister recalled the longstanding friendship and cooperation between Sri Lanka and Turkey, particularly in the sphere of economy, global trade and education. During the meeting, the Prime Minister highlighted the new proposals in education put forward by Turkey.

The Discussions focused on strengthening bilateral collaboration with an emphasis on education, global trade, logistics, energy, tourism and healthcare sectors between the two countries.

The Minister of National Education of Turkey to Sri Lanka expressed his sincere appreciation for the opportunity to engage in a constructive dialogue with the Prime Minister and reiterated Turkey’s commitment to further enhancing the collaboration between the two countries especially in the sector of education. He further highlighted the need for collaboration in the sphere of education in order to strengthening the peace and human vertue.

Representing the Turkey delegation, the meeting was attended by H.E. Semih Lütfü TURGUT Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey, Mr. nal ERYILMAZ Director General of EU and Foreign Relations, Ministry of National Education, and secretary to the Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education Nalaka Kaluwewa and Sagarika Bogahawatta Additional Secretary to the Prime Minister was also attentded the meeting representing Sri Lanka.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, announced today that Sri Lanka is shifting away from an education system solely focused on pass/fail examination outcomes. The government’s objective is to deliver quality education to children through the introduction of a module-based system.

Prime Minister Amarasuriya made these remarks while addressing a media briefing held at the Ministry of Education in Isurupaya today (23), regarding the new education reforms scheduled for implementation in 2026.

The awareness session for media personnel representing various media organizations on the upcoming educational reforms was conducted by Mr. Nalaka Kaluwewa, Secretary to the Ministry of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education, and Dr. Ashoka de Silva, Deputy Director General of the National Institute of Education.

Responding to questions from journalists, the Prime Minister stated, "We, as teachers, parents, and students, have grown accustomed to an education system designed primarily around examinations. However, with this module-based system, students will engage in diverse learning activities and undergo continuous assessments."

The General Certificate of Education (G.C.E.) Ordinary Level examination under the new curriculum is scheduled to commence in 2029, while the module system will be introduced for Grades 1 and 6 starting in 2026.

"We have three years to observe this system," the Prime Minister explained. "Based on the evolving circumstances and needs, we are prepared to make the necessary adjustments. We have never claimed that these reforms are final. We expect to revise them in line with future developments. Furthermore, we welcome suggestions and feedback from all stakeholders."

The Prime Minister also emphasized the need to reduce classroom sizes to 25–30 students, noting that some classrooms currently exceed 40 students due to admissions granted on the basis of recommendations from previous Ministers and Secretaries of Education. "Our government has entirely discontinued this practice," she affirmed. "Going forward, only the officially sanctioned number of students will be admitted into schools."

Addressing concerns about the Grade 5 Scholarship Examination, the Prime Minister stated, "No decision has been made to abolish the Grade 5 Scholarship Examination. In order to do so, we must first address disparities among schools, which cannot be resolved overnight. Our aim through these reforms is to alleviate the pressure and stress this examination places on children."

She further stated that the reforms include a proposal for the Ministry of Education to assume full responsibility for the operation of early childhood development centers, including the training of early childhood educators.

Mr. Madhura Seneviratne, Deputy Minister of Education, also addressed the media briefing, stating, "These reforms place strong emphasis on teacher training. It is one of the five core pillars we have outlined. A dedicated training program for teachers has been planned and will commence in August."

Several upcoming meetings are scheduled to brief university academics, teacher unions, and education officials on the proposed reforms.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

We are in need of developing regulatory frameworks that encourage innovation while ensuring efficacy, safety, data privacy, security, and other ethical considerations in digital technology.

The prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya participated in the roundtable discussion on Digital mental health with the global digital mental health network of eMHIC held today (22) at the Temples Trees.

Delivering the keynote address, the Prime Minister stated that the government is committed to integrating digital health solutions within existing mental health services, as a part of its larger agenda of digitization and emphasized the need of developing regulatory frameworks that encourage innovation while ensuring efficacy, safety, data privacy, security, and other ethical considerations concerning the Digital technology.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya also stressed the need for a coordinated, multi-sectoral and multidisciplinary response, supported by a well-trained mental health workforce and strengthened community-level engagement. The Prime Minister further highlighted the challenges in digital mental health including the parent-child gaps in understanding digital and psychological well-being followed under inclusion of digitalization in the implementation of new educational reforms.

The event brought together professionals, policymakers in the respective area, and tech experts, representatives from international organizations to explore innovative, technology-driven solutions for addressing mental health challenges in Sri Lanka.

The event was attended by the Senator Kathy Hay of Canada, Prof Anil Thapliyal, the executive Director of eMHIC (EEMICK) and representatives of the eMental Health International Collaborative and officials representing government, academia, professional bodies.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

Dr. Nadisha Chandrasena, who received the 2025 WIPO “Global Award for Intellectual Property,” presented by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), a United Nations agency dedicated to intellectual property, innovation, and creativity met with Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya on July 21.

Dr. Chandrasena’s “Smart Drainage System” concept, developed as a solution to open drainage systems clogged by plastic and polythene waste, was selected as a winner at the WIPO Awards Ceremony held in Geneva, Switzerland. Her innovation stood out among 780 organizations from 95 countries.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister extended her congratulations to Dr. Chandrasena. Secretary to the Prime Minister Mr. Pradeep Saputhantri was also present at the occasion.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

The 2025 Annual Esala Perahera of the Yudaganawa Raja Maha Viharaya in Buttala concluded its street possession yesterday (19).

The final Randoli Perahera commenced its street procession with the participation of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya. Following the enshrinement of the Sacred Relic Casket atop the ceremonial tusker of Wasana, Monaragala District Secretary Mr. Pasan Rathnayake presented the official declaration certifying the successful conduct of this year’s Yudaganawa Esala Perahera to the Chief Sanghanayake of Uva Wellassa and Chief Incumbent of Yudaganawa Raja Maha Viharaya, Venerable Galtemwatte Nandaratana Nayake Thero.

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

Yudaganawa Raja Maha Viharaya is a place with archaeological and historical significance.

The annual Perahera festival plays a significant role in preserving the ancient glory and cultural heritage of Uva Wellassa and in creating awareness of its value among people around the world.

According to Historical chronicles, ancient kings of Mahanaga, Kavantissa, Dutugemunu, Saddhatissa, Parakramabahu the Great, Vijayabahu the Great, Nissankamalla, and Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe had contributed to the development of this sacred site.

The immense strength and blessings that arose from this sacred site during the past unification of the country are especially significant. The historic Stupa here is testimony to that legacy. This is why the Yudaganawa Annual Esala Perahera continues to draw wide attention.

Finally, I extend my gratitude to the Chief Sanghanayake of Uva Wellassa and Chief Incumbent of Yudaganawa Raja Maha Viharaya, Venerable Galtemwatte Nandaratana Nayake Thero, and the entire organizing committee for their dedication in holding this year’s Perahera with featuring the cultural events of Upcountry, Lowcountry, and Sabaragamuwa traditional dances and presentation of majestic elephants.

The event was graced by the presence of Maha Sangha led by the Chief Sanghanayake of the Ratnapura region under the Asgiri Vihara, Most Venerable Wathurakumbure Dhammarathana Nayake Thero, as well as Members of Parliament, government officials, and a large number of devotees and participants.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

Steps will be taken to enhance the professionalism of teachers in the future.

The Minister of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, stated that the goal is to limit the number of students in a classroom to 25–30, emphasizing that it is not possible to deliver quality education in classrooms with around 50 or 60 students.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while participating in a program held on July 19 at the Dakshinapaya Auditorium in Galle, organized to raise awareness among education authorities in the Southern Province regarding the new education reforms.

Addressing the fourth provincial awareness program on the new education reforms, the Prime Minister further stated:

First and foremost, I would like to express my gratitude for the cooperation you extend toward the education reforms. Implementing a new education reform was something we discussed and planned even before our government came into power.

In line with government policy, we held discussions with experts, gathered opinions from various sectors, and have formulated the relevant policies.

The new education reform is not only about updating the curriculum but also about enhancing teacher professionalism, reforming the educational administrative structure, and developing the necessary infrastructure to ensure all children have access to equal and quality education.

This is not something we are doing for personal gain, it is a responsibility we must fulfill with an understanding of the needs of the country.

There are people in society who initiate constructive dialogue about this with genuine intent, and there are also others who criticize it without proper understanding. Some even critique it for political gain. We know this reform process is a challenge and it is not easy. However, it cannot be ignored. The people gave us their mandate to correct these issues.
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There’s a lot to be done in terms of reforming education. The curricula in teacher training colleges have not changed in 16 years. These must be revised. Teachers and education professionals must be provided with continuous training. From August onwards, steps will be taken to train the teacher trainers in order to deliver proper teacher training.

Addressing the event, the Deputy Minister of Vocational Education Mr. Nalin Hewage stated:

At present, steps are being taken to integrate vocational education institutions with the new education reform. This will create an opportunity for students to enter vocational education with dignity based on talent and skills, during their school years, instead of directing only underperforming students toward vocational paths.

The event was attended by Southern Province Governor Bandula Harischandra, Member of Parliament Nihal Galappaththi, Secretary to the Ministry of Education Mr. Nalaka Kaluwawa, Southern Province Chief Secretary Mr. Sumith Alahakoon, officials representing the Ministry of Education, the Department of Examinations, the National Institute of Education, the Southern Provincial Department of Education, Zonal Education Directors, and education authorities from the Southern Province.

Prime Minister’s Media Division