Website Linked in School Textbook Blocked as Education Row Sparks Political Fallout
January 01, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s telecommunications authorities have moved to block access to a website mistakenly cited in a Grade 6 English language textbook, as the controversy surrounding the error escalated into a political dispute and prompted calls for ministerial accountability.
The Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka instructed local internet service providers to restrict access to the site after widespread concern was raised over its appearance in printed learning material used in schools. The reference, included in a language lesson, was intended to direct students to an educational resource but instead led to an unrelated website, triggering public alarm.
Former minister Wimal Weerawansa has demanded the resignation of Prime Minister and Education Minister Harini Amarasuriya, arguing that the incident exposed children to unsuitable online material. He told reporters that even an indirect reference of this nature could spark curiosity among young students and potentially place them at risk, describing the lapse as a serious failure of oversight. He further warned of public demonstrations targeting the Education Ministry if firm action is not taken.
The Ministry of Education has since confirmed that a formal complaint has been lodged with the Criminal Investigation Department. Ministry Secretary Nalaka Kaluwewa said there is reason to suspect that the inclusion of the web reference may not have been accidental, noting that opposition to ongoing education reforms has intensified in recent months. He stated that investigators are examining whether external interference or deliberate manipulation played a role.
Officials explained that the Grade 6 English module, developed by the National Institute of Education, had already been printed when the error was discovered. Distribution was immediately halted, and an internal inquiry was launched to establish responsibility and prevent similar incidents in future curriculum updates.
The issue came to light after a social activist pointed out that a typing error repeated in several places within the new syllabus redirected users to an unintended website rather than the intended educational application. Subsequent checks by authorities confirmed the mismatch, leading to swift remedial action.
Education officials said corrective measures are already under way and stressed that further steps, including disciplinary or legal action, will depend on the findings of the CID investigation. They also assured parents that additional safeguards will be introduced to strengthen quality control in future textbook revisions.
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