How did gay rights creep into the Grade Six English module?

Parents concerned that moves underway to promote homosexuality among children

In a desperate attempt to ward off criticism, the Education Ministry Secretary Nalaka Kaluwewe has sought a Criminal Investigation Department (CID) probe into the matter

A recent English Language module introduced by the Education Ministry for Grade Six students, under the new education reforms, has raised alarm among parents and teachers over the inclusion of an immoral website which directs children to details promoting same sex activities and LGBTQ rights. 

While open discussions on same sex activities are socially taboo in Sri Lanka and our laws do not permit such activities, it is questionable how such content was included in the school curriculum worked out under the new education reforms being implemented by the NPP government. After being released, the Education Ministry were quick to say that they had launched an inquiry after receiving a complaint regarding the website promoting same sex activities prepared by the National Institute of Education (NIE).

However, the damage has been done, with concerned parents demanding an explanation as to how such a serious error had escaped the eyes of the authorities concerned. What is even more surprising is that the module concerned has been used since August last year for Teacher training purposes. Parents urge an immediate probe into the matter, and those responsible be brought to book forthwith.

In recent times, Sri Lanka has witnessed a surge in same sex promotional activities targeting school children, which religious dignitaries, including the Mahanayake Theras and Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith openly criticised saying such western culture would dent family values and also wipe out Sri Lanka’s culture fostered by the essence of the four main religions – Buddhism, Islam, Catholicism and Hinduism. In a desperate attempt to ward off criticism, the Education Ministry Secretary Nalaka Kaluwewe has sought a Criminal Investigation Department (CID) probe into the matter.

Speaking to the media, Kaluwewe said it is suspected that an external party opposed to the implementation of the new education reforms may have deliberately and conspiratorially inserted the reference. He said the CID has been requested to immediately investigate and expose those responsible for the unauthorised act.

He clarified that the material in question is not the final printed version of the module, adding that ultimate responsibility lies with the Education Department, as the publication has not yet been legally finalised. The National Institute of Education (NIE), the Educational Publications Department, and the Education Ministry were all involved in preparing the module, and the Ministry has taken full responsibility. Kaluwewe said the incident would not be hidden, and steps are being taken to fix the problem before the reforms begin. Kaluwewe said several procedures must be followed before any textbook goes to print, and therefore it is suspicious that the incorrect website reference was inserted, suggesting a possible conspiracy. He added that an internal inquiry conducted by the Ministry has also revealed further details related to the incident.

The Secretary said that the Ministry would not attempt to conceal the incident, as these modules are not classified documents. He added that some booklets had already been printed since August and used as teacher training materials; therefore, the Ministry is taking steps to rectify the error now that it has been identified before it being released to the students.