Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the education reforms introduced to Grade 1 in 2026 are being implemented successfully, and that these reforms will be extended to Grade 6 in 2027.
She made these remarks in Parliament today (05), responding to a question raised by Member of Parliament Chamara Sampath regarding the new education reforms.
Elaborating further, the Prime Minister stated:
A total number of 221,413 candidates sat for the G.C.E. Advanced Level Examination in 2025, representing 65.29% of students enrolled in Grade 1. A total number of 317,326 candidates sat for the G.C.E. Ordinary Level Examination in 2022 accounting for 93.57% of those enrolled in Grade 1. In 2023, a total of 322,537 candidates sat for the Ordinary Level Examination, representing 92.08%, while in 2024, 322,704 candidates sat for the examination, amounting to 95.15% of the corresponding cohort.
The education reforms introduced to Grade 1 in 2026 are being carried forward successfully. In 2027, the new education reforms will be implemented for Grade 6. In regard to that subject committees have been appointed, modules have been reviewed, and necessary revisions have been discussed and finalized. Arrangements are underway to print the modules within this month. Teacher training required for these reforms will commence in June, and the necessary funds have already been allocated. In addition, new education reforms will also be introduced to Grade 2 in 2027, and printing of the required modules has already begun.
A National Steering Committee has been appointed to oversee the education reform process, under whose supervision all related activities are being carried out. Awareness programmes for teachers and parents on the new reforms are scheduled to commence in July and August. The Prime Minister emphasized that any obstruction to these reforms would arise only if there are deliberate attempts to disrupt the process or to create difficulties for the government. She also clarified that no funding has been received from the World Bank for these reforms.
Responding to a question raised by Member of Parliament Dayasiri Jayasekara regarding the current Speaker, the Prime Minister further stated:
The current Speaker’s personal staff consists of 12 members, although the approved cadre is 20. The Speaker does not use the official residence for personal purposes. Although 15 staff members are approved for the official residence, only 8 are currently employed. As it is a large residence, a certain level of staff is required for maintenance.
The official residence is used for diplomatic purposes when necessary, similar to the Presidential Secretariat and Temple Trees. A government official residence in Colombo has been allocated to the Speaker for the duration of his office, through a letter issued by the Secretary to the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government. The rent is deducted from the Speaker’s monthly allowance, and utility bills such as water and electricity are paid by the Speaker.
Seven vehicles have been allocated for use; however, the Speaker uses only two. While previous Speakers were provided with unlimited fuel quotas, the current Speaker has limited the usage to 900 litres, equivalent to that of a Cabinet Minister.
Prime Minister’s Media Division