Capital market content to be integrated into proposed financial literacy curriculum

A seminar on 'Financial Literacy' was held on 18 July at the Education Ministry, providing a platform for stakeholders involved in ongoing education sector reforms to contribute to the integration of financial literacy into the school curriculum.

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The initiative was spearheaded by Labour Minister and Economic Development Deputy Minister Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando and conducted by Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka (SEC) Chairman Senior Professor Hareendra Dissabandara.

The event was held under the patronage of Prime Minister and Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.

The seminar was attended by senior officials from the Education Ministry, National Institute of Education, Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE), and CFA Society of Sri Lanka, along with representatives from the Colombo Stock Brokers' Association and Unit Trust Association of Sri Lanka.

Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education Ministry Secretary Nalaka Kaluwewa described the seminar as a landmark moment in implementing financial literacy in practical terms.

"Although financial literacy has been widely discussed for some time, today marks a significant milestone as we begin to implement it meaningfully," he said.

Emphasising the broader vision behind the initiative, he added: "This is not merely a curriculum revisionit represents a fundamental overhaul of the entire education system. Our goal is to nurture a generation of well-rounded students equipped with 21st century skills." Kaluwewa announced that Financial Literacy and Entrepreneurship will be introduced as a compulsory subject carrying one credit from Grades 6 to 9 and will be offered as an optional subject at the G.C.E.

Ordinary Level, assessed at the national level.

SEC Chairman Senior Professor Hareendra Dissabandara emphasised that financial literacy comprises the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours necessary for making informed financial decisions and achieving financial well-being.

Citing the World Economic Forum's report"New Vision for Education," he noted that financial literacy is one of the 16 core skills essential for students in the 21st century.