Equal access to education for all students – Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya

21-Jan-2026

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Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the government’s policy is to ensure equal and uninterrupted access to education for all students, regardless of their social or economic background.

She made these remarks on Jan 18 during a visit to Puttalam Science College, undertaken while touring schools affected by Cyclone “Tithva” and raising awareness among residents of the Puttalam District about ongoing education reforms.

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister noted that students studying in schools located in disadvantaged regions currently have very limited opportunities to pursue education in science and mathematics streams. The government’s objective and policy, she emphasized, is to provide all students with equitable and barrier-free access to education.

She welcomed the pilot initiatives being introduced for science education, but cautioned that science and mathematics should not be overvalued at the expense of other disciplines. All fields of study, she said, are equally important.

Even those who become doctors or engineers ultimately serve people, and therefore human values such as compassion are essential. Only through quality education can the country nurture well-rounded citizens who respect humanity, ethics, and social harmony, which are vital for transforming Sri Lanka into a better nation.

The Prime Minister also pointed out that a large number of teacher and principal vacancies currently exist in schools. Cabinet approval has been granted to recruit approximately 23,000 teachers, and steps will be taken to deploy them to schools with shortages.

She further stressed that learning is not merely about memorization. Children must develop curiosity and the ability to seek out information independently. “We must also learn how to learn,” she said.