Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya has announced that the new school curriculum introduced for Grade 1 in 2026 will be extended to Grades 2 and 6 in 2027 as part of the government’s ongoing education reforms.
Speaking at the opening of a newly constructed two-story building at Ethumalapitiya Primary School in Polonnaruwa on October 24, the Prime Minister said the reforms aim to produce a generation equipped with knowledge, practical skills and strong values.
She said the government was moving towards a student-centred education system, replacing the traditional teacher-centred approach that primarily focuses on transferring knowledge.
Amarasuriya noted that students must be equipped not only with academic knowledge but also with the ability to apply what they learn in practical situations and respond to social and economic challenges.
Addressing teacher shortages, the Prime Minister revealed that competitive examinations for the recruitment of 23,006 teachers have already been completed.
She said interviews and practical assessments for the recruitment process are scheduled to begin in November 2026.
The Prime Minister acknowledged that the recruitment of teachers and principals had not been carried out systematically for several years, contributing to challenges within the education system.
She also announced that legal steps have been initiated to establish an Education Council aimed at protecting and improving professional standards among education sector professionals.
Amarasuriya stressed that curriculum reforms must be accompanied by improvements in school infrastructure, human resources and administrative facilities.
She urged public representatives in Polonnaruwa to ensure that funds allocated for school development projects are used effectively and that construction work is completed without unnecessary delays.
Referring to the newly opened school building, the Prime Minister said construction had originally begun in 2017 but was suspended during the economic crisis.
She said work resumed after the current government assumed office, allowing the project to be completed.
The Prime Minister noted that unfinished construction projects at schools could pose safety risks to students and said the government had prioritised reviewing and completing such projects.
She reiterated the government’s commitment to investing in education through curriculum development, infrastructure improvements and measures to strengthen the professionalism of teachers and principals.
Deputy Minister T.B. Sarath, Polonnaruwa District MP Padmasiri Bandara, local government representatives, education officials, teachers, parents and students attended the event. (Newswire)
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