Courtesy Hiru News

A meeting between President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, and representatives of teachers’ trade unions was held this afternoon (13) at the Presidential Secretariat.

At the meeting, the teachers’ union representatives stated that they accept the necessity of the new education reforms being implemented by the government and emphasised that the Grade 6 curriculum requires revision.

They also expressed their willingness to work together with the government in the process of implementing the new education reforms.

They further proposed that these activities be carried out under the supervision of a formal mechanism comprising the National Education Commission, the National Institute of Education, educationists, legal experts, university lecturers and professors, and representatives of education-sector trade unions.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake pointed out that winning the trust of teachers and parents is essential for the successful implementation of education reforms, and that no transformation can be carried out amid doubt or mistrust.

He therefore invited the teachers’ union representatives to work collaboratively with the government in implementing the new education reforms.

The President briefed the teachers’ unions on the new education reform process initiated by the government, stating that while Grade 1 reforms are being implemented as planned, the government expects to commence Grade 6 reforms in 2027, after addressing issues related to module preparation, delays in teacher training, and technical challenges.

The President also stated that infrastructure required for the reforms, such as smart boards, televisions, and computers, will be provided through government funding rather than parents’ contributions.

Attention was also drawn to issues concerning inter-provincial teacher transfers, promotions, salary anomalies, and challenges faced in the principals’ service.