“Our aim is to build an education system that enables every child to receive the maximum benefits of education” – PM

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, the Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, outlined her government's commitment to developing an education system that allows every child to benefit fully from their education. Despite economic constraints, the administration has taken steps to invest heavily in education by allocating significant funds.

The Prime Minister's remarks followed a ceremony to hand over a newly built two-storey building at Vijitha Primary School in Polonnaruwa, a project funded with around Rs. 55 million from the government.

Upon the official transfer, the Prime Minister interacted with the students and assessed the newly constructed classrooms. She stressed that educational reform extends beyond merely updating curricula; it also involves constructing necessary infrastructure, providing teacher training, and establishing an appropriate school environment. Therefore, the government plans to roll out new curricula gradually, in line with the readiness of the educational system.

Aiming for a quality learning environment for students, the government aims to enhance infrastructure in primary education, such as classroom space, furniture, and equipment. This year, the government expects to allocate more funds for education reforms than this year, reflecting the country's improving economic stability. Moreover, the Prime Minister announced the commencement of legal proceedings to establish an Education Council, aiming to ensure professionalism and quality in the education sector.

The curricula for both schools and teacher education at the National Colleges of Education are being revised, with a focus on producing teachers capable of meeting the new educational standards. The Prime Minister emphasized the overall transformation of the education system, addressing institutional issues, infrastructure deficiencies, and human resource shortages.

She reiterated that the education system's primary responsibility is to cultivate individuals with knowledge, skills, and positive values, and the dedication of teachers alongside the support of parents and the community is crucial to achieving this. The event was attended by various dignitaries, including the Deputy Minister of Housing, Construction and Water Supply, the Polonnaruwa District Member of Parliament, education officials, and school representatives.