Galle: The Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, announced the government’s goal to reduce the number of students per classroom to between 25 and 30. This initiative aims to improve the quality of education, as current classrooms often accommodate 50 to 60 students, which she deems unsustainable for effective learning.

According to News.LK, Dr. Amarasuriya made these comments during a program at the Dakshinapaya Auditorium in Galle, which was organized to inform education authorities in the Southern Province about upcoming education reforms. The Prime Minister emphasized the government’s commitment to education reform, a topic discussed even before their administration took office.

The reform aims to update curriculum content, enhance teacher professionalism, and improve educational infrastructure. These changes are part of a broader strategy to ensure all children have access to quality education. Dr. Amarasuriya expressed gratitude for the cooperation extended towards these reforms and highlighted the importance of understanding the country’s educational needs as part of this effort.

Dr. Amarasuriya acknowledged the varying public opinions regarding the reforms, noting that some critiques arise from a lack of understanding or political motivations. However, she emphasized the necessity of these changes, as they align with the public mandate to address educational challenges. The Prime Minister also highlighted the need for revising teacher training curricula, which have remained unchanged for 16 years, and announced plans to commence teacher trainer programs starting in August.

Deputy Minister of Vocational Education, Mr. Nalin Hewage, also spoke at the event, discussing the integration of vocational education institutions within the new reform framework. This integration aims to offer students opportunities to pursue vocational education with dignity, based on their talents and skills, rather than as a last resort for underperforming students.

The event saw participation from key figures, including Southern Province Governor Bandula Harischandra, Member of Parliament Nihal Galappaththi, and other educational authorities, emphasizing the collaborative effort in implementing these significant educational reforms.