Sharp political exchanges erupt as the Government pushes ahead with sweeping education reforms, questioning the Opposition’s consistency and credibility.
Mass Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa has said the Government must first examine the mentality of Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa before responding to his demands regarding the new education reforms. Speaking to the media in Kalutara, the Minister highlighted what he described as contradictory positions taken by the Opposition Leader on the same issue.
Dr. Jayatissa recalled that Premadasa had previously staged a protest in front of the C.W.W. Kannangara statue in Mathugama, urging that the proposed education reforms should not be introduced to children. He noted that Premadasa is now calling on the Government to implement those same reforms without delay, raising questions about political consistency and intent.
“If these education reforms are not implemented without delay, there is a possibility of producing more individuals like Sajith Premadasa in the future. That itself is another reason why these reforms must go ahead,” Dr. Jayatissa said.
The Minister confirmed that the new education reforms for Grade One will be implemented from January 29. He added that reforms for other grades will follow, except for Grade Six, as part of a phased education policy rollout.
He said the reforms are being developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and the National Education Commission. Responding to criticism that there were 147 issues in the new modules, Dr. Jayatissa said, “We cannot work according to the tune of Sajith Premadasa. His comments show that he has not even read the modules.”
