President calls for transformative education reform to drive national progress

PRESIDENT Anura Kumara Disanayake yesterday delivered a passionate call for sweeping educational reform during a defining speech in Parliament, stating that the proposed changes go beyond a curriculum revision and aim to transform the country’s economy and society by investing in its most valuable asset—human capital.

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Declaring that “no child should leave school without completing 13 years of compulsory education,” he stressed that education reform is essential to breaking the cycles of poverty, illiteracy, and social inequality that have plagued generations.

"This is not a political objective; it is a social imperative," he asserted.

The President's speech underscored the need for deep structural change in Sri Lanka's school system, which currently suffers from underenrolment, inefficiency, and poor alignment with economic realities.

He revealed that as of 2024, over 1,500 schools had fewer than 50 students, with some rural schools operating with as few as two or three pupils and teachers a serious misuse of public resources. In response, the Government plans to amalgamate underperforming schools, expand access to better-equipped institutions, and ensure transportation for rural students to attend schools that offer quality education and social engagement.

"Children should not grow up confined to limited village environments; they must be exposed to diverse experiences and opportunities," he said.