Prime Minister Calls for Transformative Overhaul of Sri Lanka’s Education System
June 01, Colombo (LNW): Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya has called for a fundamental rethinking of Sri Lanka’s education system, arguing that the country’s future depends not only on producing skilled workers but also on nurturing informed, ethical and socially conscious citizens.
Speaking at the Bishop Cyril Abeynayake Memorial Lecture held at the Cathedral of Christ the Living Saviour, the Prime Minister addressed educators, religious leaders, policymakers and members of civil society on the future direction of education in Sri Lanka and its role in a rapidly changing global landscape.
The event, attended at the invitation of the Bishop of Colombo, Rt Rev Dushantha Rodrigo, provided a platform for a broader discussion on national development, social responsibility and the values that should underpin educational reform. During her address, the Prime Minister praised Sri Lanka’s longstanding tradition of religious coexistence and highlighted the contribution of faith-based institutions in promoting dialogue, inclusion and community service.
Reflecting on the evolution of educational policy since independence, Dr Amarasuriya argued that successive reforms have largely focused on producing graduates suited to labour market demands, often prioritising science, technology and vocational training. While acknowledging the importance of these fields, she suggested that such approaches have not adequately addressed deeper social and structural challenges facing the country.
Drawing on historical perspectives, she revisited key debates surrounding education and development, noting that concerns about employment, skills and economic productivity have shaped policy decisions for decades. However, she stressed that education must serve a broader purpose than simply preparing individuals for jobs.
According to the Prime Minister, the original vision behind Sri Lanka’s free education system was to create citizens capable of critical thinking, democratic participation and social leadership. She argued that this wider mission should once again become central to educational planning and reform.
During the lecture, Dr Amarasuriya identified several pressing issues requiring urgent attention. These included persistent inequalities between privileged and under-resourced schools, barriers to social mobility, the challenge of fostering civic responsibility among young people, and the continuing gap between women’s educational achievements and their participation in the workforce.
She also highlighted the growing influence of emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, warning that education systems must evolve quickly to prepare students for profound changes in the nature of work and society. Rather than making isolated adjustments to syllabuses, she called for a comprehensive strategy that includes digital literacy, ethical technology use and stronger safeguards for online environments.
The Prime Minister further argued that meaningful reform must extend beyond classrooms and examinations. She emphasised the need to rebuild confidence in public education, create learning environments that encourage curiosity and innovation, and restore teaching as a highly respected profession capable of attracting talented and committed individuals.
She envisioned an education system that empowers students to explore diverse opportunities, inspires lifelong learning and strengthens the relationship between schools, families and communities. Parents, she said, should be able to trust educational institutions as partners in their children’s development, while students should experience education as a pathway to growth rather than a burden driven solely by examinations and credentials.
Concluding her remarks, Dr Amarasuriya said the ultimate measure of success would be the emergence of principled leaders across every sphere of society, including public service, business, religion, culture and community life. She reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to educational transformation, describing learning as a powerful tool for understanding society and driving positive change through informed and meaningful public engagement.
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