Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya has proposed significant changes to Sri Lanka’s education system, aiming to reduce early academic pressures and promote educational equity. Addressing a gathering of pre-school teachers from the National People’s Force in Kandy, she announced plans to eliminate competitive exams for students until grade eight and integrate pre-school education into the Ministry of Education.
Amarasuriya explained that the widely criticized five-year scholarship exam arose from disparities among schools, distinguishing between well-resourced “popular” schools and those with fewer resources. The Prime Minister believes that removing this exam will address inequities by reducing competition for limited spaces in preferred schools. She advocates for greater government investment in education to bridge the gap between schools, ensuring equal access and opportunities for all students.
In her vision for early childhood education, Amarasuriya emphasized that ages three to five should be dedicated to social, emotional, and developmental learning, rather than academic training. She stressed that this formative period should focus on creativity and exploration, not preparation for exams.
Her plans, which form part of her broader educational reform agenda, seek to foster a nurturing environment for young learners and promote a more balanced approach to academic progression.
