A serious education controversy has erupted after a senior Buddhist monk warned that school textbooks meant for young children contained links leading to obscene online content, raising alarm over child safety, accountability and the future of Sri Lanka’s education reforms.
Venerable Ulapane Sumangala Thero has lodged a formal complaint with the Criminal Investigation Department following the discovery of an address linked to obscene online material in a newly introduced Grade 6 English subject module under the ongoing education reforms.
Speaking to the media after filing the complaint, the Thero stressed that this incident cannot be dismissed as a simple oversight. According to him, it is a carefully planned conspiracy aimed at destroying the moral foundation and future of the children of this country.
The Thero revealed that within the second module of the Grade 6 English subject, under the heading “Identifying Friends,” a link titled “Body” directs users to an obscene website. He said the website contains references to homosexuality and other illicit activities that are entirely inappropriate for schoolchildren. He further disclosed that a total of 41 such links have been included in modules issued for the first school term alone.
Although the Ministry of Education has since taken steps to block access to the offending website and withdraw the printed book, the Thero warned that the damage has already been done. He emphasized that this issue goes far beyond a printing error and represents a serious breach of responsibility.
Referring to legal consequences, Venerable Sumangala Thero stated that this incident constitutes a criminal offense under Sections 286A and 288A of the Penal Code. He said accountability must extend to officials involved in drafting, proofreading and approving the modules, including officers attached to the National Institute of Education and the Ministry of Education. He added that all officials whose names appear on the front pages of the book should be questioned as part of the investigation.
Despite assurances that the book has been withdrawn, the Thero revealed that English teachers across the island have already undergone training programs based on these modules. Furthermore, PDF versions of the material have already been distributed to teachers and private tutors. As a result, he warned that withdrawing the physical book alone will not prevent continued exposure.
The Thero also highlighted the massive loss of public funds involved. He stated that crores of rupees have been spent printing the books and training teachers for nearly five lakh students. He insisted that this money should be recovered from those responsible for committing what he described as a grave crime against the nation.
Calling for urgent action, Venerable Ulapane Sumangala Thero urged the government to immediately launch a full investigation, punish everyone responsible from the Minister of Education downwards, and postpone the education reforms for at least one year. He stressed that these reforms were implemented abruptly without any pilot program.
Declaring that this is an attempt to destroy the morality of the future generation, the Thero said he is prepared to pursue justice through legal action all the way to the highest court.
