Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya says the college system in Sri Lanka plays a vital role in shaping the educators responsible for the future of the nation’s children, but the teacher training education provided through the system has remained unchanged for the past 15 years.
The PM further said that the government has accorded high priority to the education sector, recognizing that genuine national transformation is contingent upon fundamental changes within the system of education.
“For Sri Lanka to achieve meaningful national transformation, it is essential to cultivate a cadre of educators who possess the competence, dedication, and responsibility required for such an undertaking. However, we must ask whether our teacher training colleges currently provide the necessary environment, resources, and infrastructure to facilitate such an education. I am here today to observe and assess whether these conditions are adequately met,” she said.
The PM made these remarks while addressing the “PULATHISIYA THARUNAI”, the Pulathisipura National College of Education celebration, organized by the College Alumni Association at the Teachers Training College of Education, Polonnaruwa, in commemoration of its 25th anniversary.
As part of the proceedings, Prime Minister Amarasuriya unveiled a plaque featuring the logo of the Pulathisipura Faculty of Education and ceremonially planted a Na tree within the faculty premises. In addition, the entire academic staff, including Deans who have served from 2000 to 2025, were recognized for their contributions to the institution.
Following the conclusion of the formal proceedings, attendees participated in an exhibition featuring creative works produced by trainee teachers and conducted an inspection of the college’s facilities.
The event was attended by the Chief Incumbent of Kanduruwela Jayanthi Temple and Chief Judicial Sanghanayake of the Northern Province, Venerable Kanduruwela Dhammapala Nayaka Thero; Deputy Minister of Housing Development, T.B. Sarath; Governor of the North Central Province, Wasantha Jinadasa; Member of Parliament, Padmasiri Bandara; Secretary to the Ministry of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education, Nalaka Kaluwewa; Dean of Pulathisi Teachers Training College, M. Chandrasiri Perera, along with senior government officials, distinguished alumni, students, and other esteemed guests.
Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya full address at the event;
This marks my first official visit to a Faculty of Education in my capacity as Prime Minister. The government has accorded high priority to the education sector, recognizing that genuine national transformation is contingent upon fundamental changes within the system of education.
The education reforms that we will implement from 2026 are not mere superficial adjustments; they are designed to cultivate individuals who are both intellectually competent and morally grounded, capable of thriving in the contemporary world.
The quality of education is fundamentally dependent on teachers. While the government may introduce advanced educational technologies and world-class curricula, the ultimate outcome is determined by the strength of the teacher-student relationship.
One of the major shortcomings of previous education reforms has been the lack of a structured mechanism to ensure that teachers receive the necessary training and knowledge to meet evolving educational demands. Our foremost objective is to elevate the professional standards of teachers and to provide them with comprehensive training and development opportunities.
It is imperative to reflect on whether the current standing of teachers in society is satisfactory, and whether individuals entering the profession feel a sense of pride and fulfilment in their role.
Teaching is a noble profession that holds the power to shape or hinder the future of a child. For Sri Lanka to achieve meaningful national transformation, it is essential to cultivate a cadre of educators who possess the competence, dedication, and responsibility required for such an undertaking. However, we must ask whether our teacher training colleges currently provide the necessary environment, resources, and infrastructure to facilitate such an education. I am here today to observe and assess whether these conditions are adequately met.
There has been ongoing discourse regarding the elevation of teacher-training colleges to degree-awarding institutions. While structural modifications may be implemented, the more pertinent concern is whether the academic content and curriculum uphold the requisite standards of excellence. (Newswire)