Our aim is to create an education system where children do not fall behind or get lost through educational transformation, said the Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.
The Prime Minister stated this at a meeting held at the Polonnaruwa District Secretariat on February 14 to discuss the issues facing the education sector in the Polonnaruwa District.
The Prime Minister further commented, " Something needs to be done for children who are falling through education No child should be allowed to fall through the cracks. However, vocational education should not be seen as merely a remedy for struggling students. That is not how we should think about vocational education. Vocational education should also be a part of education. Vocational education should be open to a child within the school education system itself.
Not everyone needs to become an engineer or a doctor. A well-balanced society requires a diverse range of professions, skills, and competencies. Those paths should also be open in the education system. We have proposed an education system that opens up such career paths.
We have proposed an education system that broadens the direction that students can take, especially from the Grade 9 onward. Career choices should be based on interest and ability, not simply on academic limitations. Choosing to become a doctor should be important. However, careers in fields like agriculture, carpentry, and other skilled trades should be equally valued. This change needs to take place both in the education system and in society. That is our goal.
It is not something that can happen overnight, we are trying to establish an education system where no child will be left behind within the next ten years. To achieve this, we have developed a comprehensive program that includes curriculum reforms, infrastructure development in schools, enhanced training for principals and teachers, and to get the active participation of the public. "
During the meeting, the Prime Minister also addressed several pressing concerns, including, Shortages of principals, teacher advisors, and teachers in Polonnaruwa district schools, Lack of essential school equipment, Issues related to school buildings and infrastructure, Student absenteeism due to economic hardships and Damage to school properties caused by wild animals.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Minister of Housing T.B. Sarath, Polonnaruwa District Parliamentarians Padmasiri Bandara and Sunil Ratnasiri, North Central Provincial Governor Wasantha Jinadasa, Ministry of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education Secretary Nalaka Kaluwewa, Polonnaruwa District Secretary Sujantha Ekanayake, North Central Provincial Council Chief Secretary J.M.R.P. Jayasinghe, Zonal Education Directors, and other officials.
Prime Minister’s Media Division