Need for comprehensive value education reforms
An Open Letter to Minister of Education Over the past three decades, leading global education reports have consistently highlighted value education as a central pillar of human development and social progress. Collectively, these reports affirm that value education is not peripheral, but integral to creating well-rounded individuals and developing peaceful, sustainable societies. All policy…
A comprehensive value education reform is urgently needed in Sri Lanka, as highlighted in a letter addressed to the Minister of Education. Over the past three decades, international education reports have consistently emphasized the importance of value education as a fundamental component of human development and social progress.
The 1992 National Education Commission Report placed value education at the core of education's purposes, while the 2022 National Education Framework recommended eight goals, four of which primarily encompass human values.
Despite policy statements acknowledging the necessity of value education since 1992, the reality of its implementation remains concerning. A study conducted during the early stages of implementing this approach revealed significant shortcomings, such as the absence of a comprehensive value education curriculum framework and the lack of dedicated efforts by teachers to inculcate values through appropriate teaching techniques.
Moreover, the emphasis on cognitive learning led teachers to neglect the teaching of values in assessments.
The decline of human values in contemporary Sri Lanka has alarmed the President, Prime Minister, and Minister of Education. They have emphasized the urgent need for a new value system to foster compassionate, caring, loving, and empathetic individuals who contribute positively to society. Despite these concerns, value education has largely disappeared from practice since 2026, with the introduction of a separate subject called 'Religion and Value Education' in 2026.
Written by urgent.news from The Island Sri Lanka's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
