Government committed to equipping children with modern skills: PM

Colombo, July 5 (Daily Mirror) - Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya said the Government is committed to equipping Sri Lankan children with the knowledge, skills and modern technologies needed to realise their full potential, while fostering creativity and critical thinking through education reforms.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while attending the opening of the 'Arumasiya' exhibition and the foundation stone-laying ceremony for a new three-storey building at Balangoda Vidyaloka Central College on Friday (July 4).

During the visit, Dr. Amarasuriya officially declared open the exhibition, which showcased students' innovations and creative talents, and praised them for demonstrating skills that extend beyond textbook learning.

Addressing the gathering, she said the Government is introducing a new education reform programme aimed at replacing the traditional examination-oriented system with a more practical and skills-based approach. She noted that preparations are currently underway to implement the reforms from 2027.

The Prime Minister said the objective is to ensure that every student leaving school has access to vocational and technical education suited to their talents and aligned with the needs of the modern labour market. She added that the Government is also working to elevate vocational education to enjoy the same recognition and dignity as university education.

Dr. Amarasuriya also commended the principal, academic staff, students and parents of Balangoda Vidyaloka Central College for organising the exhibition and contributing to its success.

According to the Prime Minister's Media Division, the event was attended by Ratnapura District MPs Wasantha Pushpa Kumara and Sunil Rajapaksha, the Mayor of Balangoda, members of the Municipal Council, the Zonal Director of Education, the school's principal and academic staff, parents and students.