The real reason why Harini should resign

8 January 2026 12:00 am Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 2 Bookmark

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Regarding the 6th January news item, “It is not ethical for Subject Minister of Education Harini Amarasuriya to be forced to resign based on a defect in a single word of a module, Cabinet Spokesman Minister Nalinda Jayatisa said”. Either he is confused or obfuscating, as the problem is not a word but a link to an inappropriate gay website!

Though the opposition too, is harping on this, the real reason why Harini disqualifies herself is otherwise. Even if the link is deemed a genuine mistake, encouraging ten-year-olds to have e-buddies is a totally unjustifiable policy decision, going against child welfare.

Australia has banned social media for under-sixteens and most parents in UK and other countries favour such a ban because of severe adverse influence of social media causing mental problems, even suicides, and cyber-bullying. In this scenario, what justification is there for this short-sighted policy for which Harini alone is responsible,for which she should take responsibility and resign.

The paradox of a socialist regime promoting e-learning, without providing the wherewithal to the underprivileged, seems favouring the rich, at the expense of those unable to afford smartphones or data, is mind-boggling!

Dr Upul Wijayawardhana

Comments - 2

Realistica Adams Thursday, 08 January 2026 07:31 AM

Out of depth ignorance shown by yesterday’s people. How do you think many poor students too access the internet for their studies?

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M Fernando Thursday, 08 January 2026 07:11 PM

Why should the government be responsible to provide smartphones to the public ? It is a governments responsibility to create and enforce policy, not handout freebies. Which begs the ancillary question - why is resignation being demanded of only an NPP administration ? When previous administrations were abusing each and every one of the country's citizens and enriching themselves, these commentators maintained a studied/supportive silence.

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