The Parliamentary Sub-Committee on Education Reforms has called upon all Members of Parliament to submit ideas and proposals to ensure that reform measures reflect the diverse perspectives of Sri Lanka’s lawmakers and the communities they represent.
Sri Lanka is preparing to embark on a comprehensive new phase of education reforms, with the government emphasizing transparency, inclusivity, and stakeholder engagement ahead of its official launch in 2026. The initiative, spearheaded by Prime Minister and Minister of Education Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, aims to overhaul the country’s education system to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving global landscape, while addressing long-standing structural, resource, and equity issues.
At a recent meeting of the Ministerial Consultative Committee on Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education, Prime Minister Amarasuriya announced that the 2026 reforms will be structured around five key pillars: the introduction of a new syllabus, human resource development, infrastructure improvements, public awareness, and improved assessment and evaluation systems.
According to a statement issued by Parliament, the Sub-Committee on Education Reforms – one of six newly formed sub-committees under the Consultative Committee – has called upon all Members of Parliament to submit ideas and proposals. The intention is to ensure that reform measures reflect the diverse perspectives of Sri Lanka’s lawmakers and the communities they represent.
The process of reform development will continue throughout 2025. Once the Sub-Committee has reviewed the Ministry of Education’s draft report, the general public will be invited to share their views and suggestions in an open consultation phase. This marks a deliberate attempt to democratize education policymaking and foster a more participatory approach to national development.
Prime Minister Amarasuriya also revealed that a nationwide public awareness campaign is being prepared to provide clarity on the purpose and impact of the reforms. Education officials in eight of Sri Lanka’s nine provinces have already been briefed on the plans, with the Uva Province set to receive its briefing in the coming weeks.
Focus on Quality and Inclusivity
The upcoming reforms will be introduced initially in Grades 1 and 6, signalling a phased implementation designed to manage systemic change effectively. The Prime Minister emphasized that the initiative goes beyond curriculum updates and addresses the full spectrum of education delivery.
Key areas of discussion at the sub-committee meeting included teacher training programs aligned with the new curriculum, strategic teacher deployment, and long-overdue investments in school infrastructure. Priority has been placed on minimizing disparities between schools, particularly between urban centres and underserved rural areas.
“The funds allocated in this year’s national budget will be used to identify and bridge resource gaps in schools,” Dr. Amarasuriya stated. “Physical inspections will be carried out, and we will resume stalled construction projects and renovate unsafe school premises.”
A Legacy of Reforms
Sri Lanka’s education system has undergone multiple waves of reform since the 1970s, with initiatives aimed at expanding access, improving quality, and adapting to shifting societal needs. Among the most notable historical milestones are the introduction of the 10+2+3 structure (signifying ten years of schooling, two years of advanced level education, and three years of higher education), the decentralization of curriculum development, and the creation of new universities out of the formerly centralized University of Ceylon system.
There has also been a concerted focus on inclusivity, particularly in the North and East of the country, and on promoting education for women and marginalized groups. The Mahapola Fund, established by the late Lalith Athulathmudali, has played a critical role in expanding access to higher education through scholarships and institutional support.
Ongoing efforts include formalizing preschool education nationwide, standardizing curricula in private and international schools, and upgrading school infrastructure in post-conflict regions.
Addressing Systemic Challenges
Despite these efforts, Sri Lanka’s education sector still grapples with complex challenges. These include the regulation of private institutions, persistent corruption in school admissions, and unequal access to quality education across regions. Public opinion has increasingly skewed toward employment-oriented education, particularly in STEM and English, often at the expense of broader learning objectives.
Dr. Amarasuriya acknowledged these systemic issues, stating that meaningful reform must involve all stakeholders: “To truly transform our education system, we must reimagine its values, delivery mechanisms, institutions, and overall purpose. This is not just an administrative task—it is a social mission.”
Tackling Critical Areas
To operationalize these goals, six sub-committees have been established under the Ministerial Consultative Committee. Each will focus on a specific domain:
- Education Reforms
- Human and Physical Resource Gaps in Schools
- Admission Policies for Intermediate Grades
- Establishment of the Education Council
- Higher Education Sector
- Skills and Vocational Education
These sub-committees are expected to work closely with national and provincial education authorities to ensure that reforms are contextually appropriate and address local needs.
The Ministry of Education has outlined its vision to “reach excellence in global society through competent citizens who share the Sri Lankan identity.” Its mission focuses on developing globally competitive citizens using innovative, efficient, and equitable approaches to education that ensure stakeholder satisfaction.
As Sri Lanka prepares to launch its most ambitious education reforms in decades, the government is positioning the initiative not just as a policy shift, but as a nation-building endeavour.
“We are building a future where every child – regardless of their background – has access to quality education that empowers them to contribute meaningfully to society,” said Prime Minister Amarasuriya. “That begins with listening to the people, and designing a system that reflects both national values and global realities.”
