Abandon the New Education Reform Immediately: Wimal Weerawansa

13-Jan-2026

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National Freedom Front Leader and former MP Wimal Weerawansa has called on the government to immediately abandon the controversial new education reform programme, claiming it would destroy future generations under the guise of introducing new concepts.

Speaking at a media briefing on January 10 Weerawansa alleged that the reforms were introduced without proper consultation or public input and were designed to satisfy funding requirements of the Asian Development Bank and World Bank.

He said the new policy prioritises financial objectives over teachers and students and accused Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya of lacking concern for national culture and promoting Western ideologies.

Weerawansa claimed the government is concealing responsibility for controversial content in Grade 6 textbooks and warned that the reforms are unsuitable for the country. He said the President’s statement that the policy would be implemented regardless of opposition reflects authoritarian tendencies.

He warned that if the government fails to act responsibly, protests would follow.