Opposition Plotting to Sabotage Education Reforms – Minister Vasantha

24-Jan-2026

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Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development Vasantha Samarasinghe has alleged that opposition parties are engaging in various conspiracies to sabotage education reforms, but stated that the government will not retreat from the reform process under any circumstances.

He made these remarks during the parliamentary debate on the adjournment motion concerning new education reforms on 22 January 2026.

The Minister stated that opposition parties began criticizing the reforms from the outset, distorting issues by invoking religion and history, spreading false claims about textbook colours, and making baseless allegations.

He criticized the Opposition Leader for irresponsibly claiming that the Ashoka Chakra had replaced the Dharma Chakra in Buddhist textbooks, stating that the symbol used is one that has long been in practice and has not been altered. He described such claims as part of a political conspiracy to delay reforms.

The Minister said the reforms are being implemented for the future of children and noted that the opposition is exaggerating a single incorrect website link found in an English textbook while ignoring broader educational objectives. He alleged that the opposition has attempted to derail reforms through multiple fabricated reasons.

He reiterated that Cabinet has approved the reforms to ensure proper education for all children and accused the opposition of acting against the interests of future generations. He concluded by stating that the government had promised the public to introduce education reforms and would do so without fail.