“Stop inviting Politicians for school events” Prime Minister

September 26, 2024 at 9:35 PM

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya has called for an immediate and fair resolution to the issues surrounding the recent scholarship exam paper leak, ensuring that no harm is done to the children affected.

She emphasized the need for an independent report on the issue. The Prime Minister who is also the Education Minister instructed the Department of Examinations to release all delayed exam results without further delay.

In a meeting held this morning with officials from all sectors of the Ministry of Education, Prime Minister Amarasuriya expressed her concerns about the current situation.

Speaking at the meeting, Dr. Amarasuriya stated that improving the education sector is one of the main priorities of the current government. She highlighted the importance of allocating a larger budget to education under the government’s agenda. Furthermore, she noted that the Ministry of Education and the Department of Examinations must work to rebuild public trust in these institutions, especially in conducting exams and issuing results promptly.

The Prime Minister also discussed the need for transparency in filling teacher vacancies, calling for the process to be handled with proper procedures to build public confidence.

Addressing concerns about the mental health and well-being of students, she stated that the current generation is dealing with various challenges, including the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic and economic hardships, which have led to increased mental stress.

Additionally, Dr. Amarasuriya underlined the necessity of improving school nutrition programs and developing infrastructure through transparent and accepted methods. She strongly urged schools to immediately stop the practice of inviting politicians to school events, as it distracts from the educational focus and can politicize the school environment.

Present at the meeting were the Prime Minister’s Secretary, Pradeep Saputhanthri, the Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Tilaka Jayasundara, and heads of various departments within the Ministry.