Formulate policies, make decisions in the best interest of schoolchildren: PM

Policies should be formulated, and decisions should be made based on data that prioritises the best interests of schoolchildren. Officials should also treat the public humanely, recognising their role as providers of public services, Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya said.

She made this statement at a workshop held yesterday at the Colombo Foundation Institute on 'Preparing Relevant Strategies to Transform the Existing Education System.'

The workshop discussed key issues outlined in the new government's policy statement, focusing on reforms needed across the educational spectrum, from early childhood development to higher education and vocational training.

“Education is transformative. Beyond acquiring knowledge, it must lead to individual growth and collective social change. We need an education system capable of fostering this transformation. Children must have opportunities to connect with the world and develop a sense of social responsibility. Personal development must go hand-in-hand with societal progress,” the Prime Minister stated.

She also said that education is not a commodity and criticised the culture of treating it as a transactional process.

“We do not invest in education expecting results in a week or two—it is a long-term investment. The government is committed to this investment. The Ministry of Education and its institutions must be the driving force behind policy decisions. These policies and decisions must be data-driven, not based on personal opinions or feelings. We need a robust system to collect and maintain accurate data,” she added.