Teachers, President and PM agree to collaborate on education reforms

Colombo, Jan 13 (Daily Mirror) - A meeting between President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, and representatives of teachers’ trade unions was held this afternoon (13) at the Presidential Secretariat to discuss the Government’s new education reform initiatives.

During the discussions, teachers’ union representatives acknowledged the necessity of the reforms and emphasized that the Grade 6 curriculum requires revision. They also expressed their willingness to cooperate with the Government in implementing the new education reforms.

The unions proposed that the process be overseen by a formal mechanism including the National Education Commission, the National Institute of Education, educationists, lawyers, university lecturers, professors, and representatives of education trade unions.

President Dissanayake highlighted that earning the trust of teachers and parents is vital for the success of the reforms, noting that transformation cannot be achieved amid suspicion or mistrust. He invited the unions to work closely with the Government in the rollout of the new reforms.

The President briefed the representatives on the current status of the reform process, stating that while Grade 1 reforms are proceeding as planned, the Grade 6 reforms are expected to commence in 2027 due to delays in module development, teacher training, and technical challenges. He assured that essential infrastructure, including smart boards, televisions, and computers, would be provided through Government funding and not at the expense of parents.

The meeting also addressed issues such as inter-provincial teacher transfers, promotions, salary anomalies, and challenges in the principals’ service.

Union leaders present included Ven. Wakamulle Udita Thera (Lanka Piriven Teachers’ Service Association), Ven. Yalwela Pannasekara Thera (All Ceylon United Teachers’ Union), Joseph Stalin (Ceylon Teachers’ Union), Dhammika Alahapperuma (Lanka Teachers’ Service Association), M.G.P.L. Lal Kumar (Education Co-operative), and Sisira Rajapaksha (Principals’ Service Association), along with several other union representatives. Deputy Minister of Labour Mahinda Jayasinghe also attended.