Education reforms; Govt. gives in to pressure

• Government decides to take time to review the Grade 6 English module in question

By Ajith Siriwardana   

In a move signalling a setback for the NPP government, the Cabinet has decided to postpone the Grade 6 education reforms following concerns raised by religious leaders, the Opposition and the public.

This postponement marks the second such reversal faced by the government. Last year, former Speaker Asoka Ranwala was compelled to resign from his position after failing to submit his educational qualifications.  

The Cabinet decided to postpone the education reforms for Grade 6 to 2027 following discussion with the experts and professionals in the education sector, Cabinet Spokesman Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said yesterday.   

He told the weekly briefing to announce Cabinet decisions that the government decided to take time to review the grade 6 English module in question.   

The Minister said the Cabinet decided to implement proposed education reforms for Grade 6 in 2027, instead of 2026 as the government is not ready to continue education reforms with even a slightest doubt among the parents.   

He said however, the education reforms for Grade 1 will continue as scheduled as there has been no issues with regard to the reforms adding that Grade 1 reforms are based on activities.   

The Minister said the education reforms were based on five pillars which included human resource development, infrastructure development and administrative reforms, syllabus development and public awareness and promotion and added that reforms except for syllabus development for Grade 6 will continue as planned in 2026.   

He said the government will implement education reforms prudently and bravely claiming that the government has received a mandate to implement the education reforms.   

The Minister said opposing groups were creating a controversy over education reforms to gain political ends, regain lost power and to get away from imminent lawsuits.