Vijitha comes to Harini’s rescue Says she need not resign

• Reforms are not a personal initiative or an individual agenda, but a policy decision of the government, which will be implemented in line with official government policy 

By Chaturanga Pradeep Samarawickrama   

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath has dismissed complaints and accusations directed at the Prime Minister, stating that all allegations against her are baseless.   

Addressing the media at the Information Department during a discussion on the introduction of new education reforms, Minister Herath said the reforms are not a personal initiative or an individual agenda, but a policy decision of the government, which will be implemented in line with official government policy.   

He pointed out that there is no need for the Prime Minister to resign from her post, noting that no responsible party has called for her resignation. He added that demands for the Prime Minister to step down have been made only by a few individuals acting on personal motives.   

The Minister further said that the Prime Minister will assume responsibility on behalf of the government for the development of the education system, reaffirming the government’s commitment to strengthening and reforming education in the country.   

“There is no issue with the government continuing the existing education system; however, it will not help produce individuals suited to the future economy or emerging technologies. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the government to introduce an education system that can effectively address these needs,” Minister Herath said.   

He also said that the implementation of the new education reforms is not being carried out in accordance with conditions imposed by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) or the World Bank, nor merely to obtain funding, but to support the country’s economic development while transforming the traditional education system.   

Minister Herath said that the new education reforms will be implemented alongside ongoing development initiatives undertaken by the Ministry of Education.   

He pointed out that the world is changing rapidly, and therefore Sri Lanka’s education system must also undergo timely changes to meet the country’s development needs.   

The Minister added that awareness programmes will be conducted for parents and teachers regarding the new education reforms. He further said that the reforms cannot be delayed until all infrastructure requirements are fully completed, as infrastructure development is being carried out in parallel with the implementation of the reforms.