Amid mounting pressure from teachers’ unions, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has launched a formal investigation into education officials accused of mishandling curriculum reforms, while announcing key policy reversals affecting Grade 6 and Grade 1 students.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has announced that an investigation will be launched into officials of the National Institute of Education who are facing allegations connected to the ongoing education reform process. The announcement was made during a discussion held yesterday (13) at the Presidential Secretariat with representatives of the Teachers’ Principals’ Union Alliance.
During the meeting, representatives of the teachers’ unions submitted audit reports related to the officials in question. The President informed the unions that the Criminal Investigation Department has already obtained all relevant audit reports and confirmed that appropriate action will be taken based on the findings. He emphasized that accountability within the education system is essential to protect the integrity of national education reforms.
Trade union representatives also raised concerns about alleged irregularities involving certain officials of the Department of Education Publications. They requested that these allegations be investigated as well, highlighting concerns over transparency, curriculum preparation, and the distribution of educational materials. The President acknowledged these concerns and indicated that the matter would also be examined.
Addressing curriculum changes, President Dissanayake stated that the Grade 6 education reforms would be suspended for the time being. He said the reform process would recommence next year following extensive consultations with stakeholders, including educators, principals, and subject experts. However, he confirmed that Grade 1 reforms would proceed as planned, maintaining continuity in early childhood education.
The President also assured union representatives that steps would be taken to promptly supply textbooks to Grade 6 students instead of modules, responding to widespread criticism over the use of modular learning materials. In addition, he announced that the revised seven period timetable introduced for Grade 6 students would be reviewed, with the schedule reverting to the previous eight period structure.
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya also participated in the discussion. Representatives from the Ceylon Teachers’ Union, the All Ceylon United Teachers’ Union, the Ceylon Teachers’ Services Union, and the National Principals’ Union were present, underscoring the significance of the dialogue between the government and education sector stakeholders.
