Teachers’ unions warn of nationwide strikes as the government pushes through sweeping education reforms, extending school hours and reshaping the curriculum from 2026.
The government has unveiled plans for sweeping education reforms to be rolled out from 2026, but the move has already triggered strong opposition from teachers’ unions who accuse officials of ignoring the welfare of students and educators. The Ministry of Education issued circulars on the 22nd, outlining how the new curriculum will be introduced for Grades One and Six from next year as the first phase of the reform.
For primary education, covering Grades One to Five, the curriculum has been redesigned into nine core learning areas. These include Mother Tongue, English Language, Second National Language, Mathematics, Religious and Moral Education, Elementary Science and Environment-related Activities, Integrated Aesthetic Education, Health and Physical Education, and Co-curricular Activities. According to the reforms, students in Grade One will no longer receive traditional textbooks but instead will be provided with specially prepared books developed by the National Institute of Education to match the new syllabus.
Junior Secondary Education, which spans Grades Six to Nine, will undergo major structural changes. From next year, a new curriculum will be implemented for Grade Six students, requiring them to study 14 compulsory subjects alongside active participation in sports. Three new subjects are also set to be introduced, signaling a significant expansion of the learning load for young students.
One of the most controversial aspects of the reforms is the alteration of school hours. While the timings for Grades Two, Three, and Four remain unchanged, Grade Five students will now attend school from 7:30 am until 2:00 pm. The same timing will apply to all Junior Secondary students in Grades Six to Nine, who will follow a timetable structured into seven periods of 50 minutes each. The Ministry argues that the extended hours will allow for a more balanced and comprehensive delivery of the new syllabus, but teachers’ unions insist it will create exhaustion and resentment among both students and staff.
Education Minister Dr. Harani Amarasuriya defended the reforms, stressing that the government’s long-term plan includes introducing a unified national curriculum for pre-schools by 2026. She made this statement while addressing the Parliamentary Sub-Committee on Education Reforms, emphasizing the need for consistency across early childhood and primary education. The government insists these changes are critical to modernizing the education system and equipping future generations with the skills needed to compete globally.
Teachers’ unions, however, have expressed fierce resistance. They argue that the sudden extension of school hours is unrealistic and unfair, particularly without consultation or adequate planning. Union leaders say the government is forcing reforms on teachers who are already overburdened, and the decision risks deteriorating the quality of education instead of improving it. According to union representatives, their members are prepared to take maximum possible action, including immediate strike measures, to fight back against what they describe as reckless policymaking.
The unions have already warned of a one-day nationwide strike if the government refuses to reverse the decision on extended school hours. This threat raises concerns of disruption across the island’s education sector, with millions of students potentially affected. Critics say the government risks sparking a major confrontation with educators at a time when public trust in governance is already low.
Parents, too, are divided. Some welcome the reforms, believing they could improve educational standards and open new opportunities for children. Others worry the changes will place undue pressure on students, who already face intense competition in exams. The looming clash between the Ministry of Education and the unions threatens to derail the rollout of reforms that officials hoped would mark a new era for Sri Lanka’s education system.
If the government holds firm and teachers escalate their protests, the coming months could see a showdown that reshapes not only the curriculum but also the future of Sri Lanka’s classrooms.
