Govt Halts School Levies; Smart Board Rollout Begins 📈

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya has announced immediate reforms to the education sector, emphasizing a move away from parent-funded school activities and toward state-led modernization. • Funding & Levies: An immediate directive has been issued to end the collection of money from parents at the school level. The Prime Minister clarified that there are no plans to curtail free education or close the Jayewardenepura Dental Faculty. • Digital Infrastructure: The ICT transformation of the school system has commenced with the distribution of smart boards. While Information Technology is not a standalone subject for grades 1-5, a tech-integrated curriculum based on age-appropriate expert advice is being introduced. • Human Capital: Cabinet approval has been granted to fill essential academic vacancies in universities. The government is also addressing long-standing issues in the teaching service, including promotion evaluation processes and recruitment formalization to ensure quality education. • Student Welfare: Current state support includes textbooks, uniforms, health insurance, and primary school midday meals. Additionally, vouchers for sanitary napkins are provided for girls in grades 6-13, with plans to expand financial assistance for scholarship students. • Institutional Adjustments: Decisions regarding the Wickramarachchi Medical Faculty are being guided by an expert committee rather than political mandates to resolve existing informalities in course structures.