Noting that the school education system in Sri Lanka should be revised and improved, President Ranil Wickremesinghe said that with 13 years of education, the country needs to strive towards a more successful education system like that of America, where regular and advanced level exams are not held but rather the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) and school report are considered.
In order to achieve this, the President said they must introduce new subjects, such as climate change and history, while also emphasizing the importance of science, art, literature, and geography.
"Every student must study a science subject and an art subject. Also, English must be taught in every school within the next 10 years. We are currently working to connect all A/L to the internet, and we plan to extend this to the O/L schools as well," the President said.
President Wickremesinghe made these observations attending the Matara Rahula College centenary celebration ceremony this morning (25), where a three-day Educational Exhibition and Art Festival ‘Vidyabhimani’ is also being held.
No disruptions tolerated
President Ranil Wickremesinghe said that any attempt to disturb the education system of the country, whether directly or indirectly, will not be permitted, and if required, new legislation will be introduced to address such conduct.
I want to make it clear that no one will be allowed to disrupt or interfere with the education system of the country, and if necessary, we will bring laws to ensure no one interferes with the education system. Education determines the future of our country, and if we establish a formal education system, we can make our country a major hub in the Indian Ocean.
Modernisation of the education system
Stressing the pivotal role of education in shaping the future of the country, President Wickremesinghe announced his plans to establish a modern education system that aligns with the demands of the 21st century.
He pledged to enhance the international reputation of Sri Lanka through these efforts.
He said that during the cabinet meeting held yesterday (24), a new cabinet sub committee on education was appointed, consisting of himself, the education minister, and several other cabinet ministers.
President Wickremesinghe also said that his administration will be investing in a new economic program in the next two or three years where a large part of the funds they receive will be dedicated to education modernization programs.
"We believe it is crucial to create an education system that can face the future, as the youth of our country is our only national resource. They should be given a good education and build the future.
I have looked at countries like Singapore, Israel, and Switzerland, which have managed to succeed through human resource development despite limited resources. I believe we can do the same.
If I were to ask the teaching staff today whether it is possible to continue until 2050 according to our current education system, the answer would be “impossible.” That’s why we need to go for education modernization as soon as possible," he added.
https://english.theleader.lk/news/4401-president-wickremesinghe-proposes-changes-to-sri-lanka-s-education-system#sigProIdf46fba0cb3
