Three subjects made mandatory under new education reforms: PM

17 July 2025 05:34 pm Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 16 Bookmark

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Colombo, July 17 (Daily Mirror) Prime Minister and Education Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya has firmly rejected claims that History and Aesthetics have been removed from the school curriculum, stating that these subjects, along with Vocational Studies, have been made mandatory under the new education reforms.

Speaking at an awareness program held at the Western Provincial Council Auditorium for education officials in the Western Province, Dr. Amarasuriya said that misinformation was being spread by certain groups without a proper understanding of the national education plan.

“These reforms were developed following extensive consultations with subject experts, with the clear goal of ensuring that every student has the opportunity to study History and Aesthetics subjects that are vital for fostering human values,” she said.

The Prime Minister also urged political groups and members of the public not to exploit the education system for political gain. “We can engage in politics, but education and children’s futures should not be politicised,” she emphasized.

She further called on those who are informed about the reforms to help raise public awareness and counter false narratives by sharing the accurate details of the changes.

Comments - 16

cassie Thursday, 17 July 2025 05:48 PM

I do agree that a knowledge of history plays a vital role in how we move forward in geo-political decisions. That would also depend on who interprets the history and what world view it holds since what is taught can be biased too. I hope the textbooks are vetted thoroughly before reaching students.

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Dr Tissa Fernando Thursday, 17 July 2025 06:44 PM

There are many groups trying to rewrite history . So let the history be as it is. Everyone should learn about the history. Without that knowledge you are nothing. Religion should be included as mandatory and students time should be allocated to learn about other religions. 2 languages Mother tounge and English and another language spoken widely in the country should be included to learn basics.

10 14

Zarook Thursday, 17 July 2025 07:10 PM

Yoda Pachini no action Pacha talking only. Enjoying super luxury vehicles similar to kaputas.

13 16

Sachi Kuhananthan MD Thursday, 17 July 2025 06:25 PM

Too many reforms screwing up the education.

4 17

SLEx Thursday, 17 July 2025 08:54 PM

Right. The Sri Lankan education is so perfect that this is what is screwing it up. Its already a mess. Reforms are needed urgently. But it needs to be implemented properly. It should be done as pilot programs with schools that have resources and slowly move to the schools after perfecting it. A timeline of an year or two would be better than willy nilly making it mandatory.

1 11

Gamaya Thursday, 17 July 2025 08:46 PM

Teach world history instead, that's much better! Sri Lankan education system has gone beyond redemption and needs A LOT of reforms. It'll take a very very long time to see proper results, if any!

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Seeya Thursday, 17 July 2025 09:05 PM

Three subjects that are mandatory in education are, honesty, integrity, and trust and if this was made mandatory decades ago we would not be a failed state today.

1 14

Man Friday, 18 July 2025 06:01 AM

Failed because, some politicians like bandit queen and Rajapakshas', plundered, as per the court verdict. too.

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Dr Tissa Fernando Friday, 18 July 2025 07:54 AM

No where these are taught as subjects but these are integrated into all subjects but you are right, these should be changed by students from Grade 1 onwards as an everyday routine. Currently the theft, lie, dishonesty, are all regarded as normal and OK by most. So when they are in a position of power , they misuse it.

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Pusa Thursday, 17 July 2025 09:21 PM

Why not make Maths and Science mandatory ? If not, we will forever be "jangi taylors" or "domestics" to the world.

2 15

Wannithantri Thursday, 17 July 2025 10:00 PM

Very practical know how from a politician.

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perera Thursday, 17 July 2025 11:05 PM

@Pusa: Maths and Science are already mandatory you idiot

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Priyanwada Friday, 18 July 2025 12:17 AM

First of all, teach your supporters not to insult those are supporting other political parties, on social media. Your supporters have a habit of attacking their opponents, (specially women) with filthy language all the time. Before you talk about school subjects, teach your own people to practice a little bit of manners and etiquette towards women on social media forums.

1 4

vdot Friday, 18 July 2025 05:01 AM

i remember the reforms made in the 70s in consultation with Australian educationist ..and settling up the study of social studies , general science and pre- vocational subjects ..a reform progressive and would have prevented drop outs as students were able to relate to balance the formal from the informal education ..But the opposition by the traditionalist so used to elitist system set up in colonial times was indeed a political slogan for the elections . , we flipped back to the elitists scheme . the irony of it all some of parents so critical adapted to many a pre-vocational study elective when they migrated to Australia. ....How many in kids in Sri lanka are taken away from the study of the history of the island when they prepare for overseas exams ? a reality to consider .

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R Navaratnam Friday, 18 July 2025 05:55 AM

History was a poor selection as it is already manipulated to suit the majority community, which the educated PM should have known. So remove please hence would encourage to be reviewed. Aesthetics - Not sure the purpose. Vocational Training - Good.

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Michael Friday, 18 July 2025 06:28 AM

The old fashioned teachers must be educated first. Some of them are so stubborn that they deny any change and continue the way they were taught. Strict measures should be taken for undue harassment of children by teachers. School should be a place where the child can flourish without fear. They should not be made scared. Only a positive mindset and supportive education will make a good citizen out of a child..

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