Expert committee appointed to restructure National Colleges of Education

Colombo, April 4 (Daily Mirror) - An expert committee has been appointed to enhance standards and restructure the National Colleges of Education, with a focus on producing a new generation of competent and transformative teachers.

Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, Harini Amarasuriya, highlighted that a conducive environment must be created within these institutions to develop teachers equipped with the skills and leadership qualities needed to achieve the government’s envisioned educational transformation.

She made these remarks during a discussion held on April 2 at the Ministry of Education premises in Isurupaya with members of the newly appointed committee.

The committee is chaired by Liyanage Amarakeerthi of the University of Peradeniya, and includes Arosha Adikaram, Senior Professor at the University of Colombo; Poobalasundaram Iyengaran of the University of Jaffna; and P. A. D. Anil, a retired Senior Lecturer of the Sri Lanka Teacher Education Service.

In line with the government’s national education policy, the committee has been tasked with reviewing the entire institutional framework of the National Colleges of Education. Its mandate includes recommending improvements in infrastructure and student welfare, strengthening governance and sustainability, enhancing the learning environment, refining evaluation methodologies, and improving teacher-student engagement.

The Prime Minister highlighted the critical role played by the National Colleges of Education in ensuring quality primary and secondary education, noting that a comprehensive assessment of these institutions is essential to elevate teacher training standards.

She also instructed the committee to conduct detailed observations across all National Colleges of Education to gain a deeper understanding of existing conditions and ensure effective implementation of reforms.

Secretary to the Ministry, Nalaka Kaluwewa, and other ministry officials were also present at the discussion.