Unions and education experts warn that suspending two NIE officials over the Grade 6 module controversy may be a political distraction masking deeper failures in Sri Lanka’s education reform agenda.
Trade unions and independent commentators have raised sharp concerns that the government’s decision to suspend two senior officials of the National Institute of Education over the Grade 6 module scandal could amount to little more than a symbolic blindfold.
The suspensions, which took effect today (19) and are based on an investigation report submitted by former Secretary Ranjith Ariyaratne, have fueled public doubt about the real intent behind the move. Critics argue that the action appears reactive rather than reform driven, especially amid growing scrutiny of the proposed education reforms.
Union leaders stress that the so called Buddy.com incident is neither the sole nor the core problem within Sri Lanka’s education system. They question whether the authorities are attempting to deflect attention from widespread irregularities, weak planning, and systemic flaws by singling out a few officials.
Observers say the Governing Council’s sudden decision fails to address the root causes of the crisis. Instead, they warn it may be designed to calm public anger while suppressing deeper political and administrative failures within the Ministry of Education.
