Sri Lanka Pushes Ahead with Education Reforms

COLOMBO (News 1st): Sri Lanka's ambitious education reform programme is set to enter its next phase after Cabinet approval was granted to continue the implementation of the country's new curriculum framework.

The approval was granted after the Cabinet considered a proposal presented by Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya in her capacity as Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education.

The latest decision will see curriculum reforms introduced to Grade 2 and Grade 6 students from 2027, building on the reforms already launched for Grade 1 in 2026 as part of the broader transformation of the national education system.

The education overhaul is based on the National Curriculum Framework initially developed by the National Institute of Education (NIE) in 2023 and subsequently revised to align with the country's evolving educational priorities.

According to the Government Information Department, the revised framework has secured approval from both the Academic Affairs Board and the Governing Council of the National Institute of Education. The proposals also received the endorsement of the National Steering Committee on Education Reforms on August 13 this year.

Preparatory work for the 2027 rollout is already underway. Authorities have taken steps to print and prepare activity books and teacher guides covering all three school terms for Grades 1 and 2, while modules and teacher guides for Grade 6 are also being developed.

The reform initiative extends beyond curriculum content. The National Institute of Education has already trained master trainers across all subjects in primary and secondary education, while provincial-level plans have been finalized to facilitate large-scale teacher training before the new curriculum is introduced.