Supporters of Sri Lanka’s new education reforms argue the system is shifting students away from isolated competition toward teamwork, observation-based learning, and shared responsibility for success.
The convener of the Inter-University Students’ Federation, Supun Perera, says the new education reforms are designed to cultivate togetherness among students rather than encourage selfish competition. He explained that the revised module system has eased excessive academic pressure on children while promoting collective learning and cooperation.
Perera noted that the earlier school education framework largely focused on individual achievement, where students competed against one another for personal success. Under the new reforms, he said, students are encouraged to work as a group, aiming for shared academic progress and collective outcomes.
“With the new education reforms, a talented student cannot move forward alone. The team must be dragged,” Perera stated, adding that gifted students now have both the responsibility and opportunity to support their peers by sharing knowledge and helping the entire group advance together.
Explaining changes to classroom practices, he said traditional teaching methods relied heavily on definitions and rote learning, such as explaining solids, liquids and gases from textbooks. Under the new methodology, students are taken into real environments, divided into groups, and encouraged to observe and understand concepts through practical exposure.
Perera said this observation-based learning process creates a more engaging and intimate educational experience for students. He added that learning rooted in real-world interaction helps students develop critical thinking and teamwork skills essential for modern education reform goals.
Following a recent split within the Inter-University Students’ Federation, one faction now works alongside the government while another aligns with the vanguard. This press conference was held by the pro-government group.
