Education reforms must aim to overhaul socioeconomic structure

There seems to be insufficient public discourse on the proposed education reforms, except for politically motivated or self-centred criticisms by political parties and trade unions.

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The students, who are the target group of these reforms and their parents seem to be in the dark.

About a month ago, the Education Ministry was denounced for allegedly excluding subjects such as history from the curriculum, and then it seems to have been forgotten, while another issue, the extension of school day and subject periods, became the subject matter. Also, sexuality education for higher classes has become a bone of contention.

However, it is a widely accepted view that the education system in Sri Lanka must be transformed in its structure and content. Yet, any set of reforms should be a part of a long-term overhaul of the system that would, in turn, impact the economy and the social fabric of the country while enhancing social harmony through an awareness and devotion to embrace diversity and inclusivity.