Education Reforms: Govt. forges ahead amidst widespread protests

The government is forging ahead with its ambitious education reform package, amidst protests by teachers' trade unions, university teachers and other stakeholders.

- BY AKITHA PERERA AND SUJEEWA THATHSARA

Speaking at an event to raise awareness of the education reforms, among education officials, teachers and the public, at the Dakshinapaya Auditorium in Galle, on Saturday, Minister of Education and Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya said the new policy was aimed at overhauling Sri Lanka's education system by reducing classroom sizes, enhancing teachers' professionalism, modernising curricula, and integrating vocational pathways into the mainstream.

"It is not possible to deliver quality education in classrooms with 50 or 60 students," the Prime Minister said. "Our goal is to limit the number of students in a classroom to between 25 and 30."

Dr. Amarasuriya emphasised that the reforms would go beyond curriculum revision, and aim to restructure administrative systems and improve infrastructure to ensure equal access to quality education for all children.