Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that children studying in the Advanced Level should be investigated for their absence from school and emphasized that no child should miss out on educational opportunities for any reason.
The Prime Minister made these remarks during an observation tour of the Maharagama National Institute of Education.
Speaking further, Dr. Amarasuriya highlighted the concerning trend of declining attendance in Advanced Level classrooms, particularly among boys, and noted that increasing numbers of students are withdrawing from the education system. She stressed that education should be accessible to every child, free from social or economic barriers, ensuring opportunities for higher education from early childhood development through thirteen years of schooling. The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of making personal and social transformation a key objective of education.
“Our government is dedicated to implementing transformative educational changes that will create opportunities for children to connect with the modern world and drive the social transformation sought by the people. We regard every allocation for education as an investment in the nation’s future, with the goal of shaping responsible citizens. The National Institute of Education plays a crucial role in this complex and long-term process,” she stated.
The event was attended by the Director General of the National Institute of Education, Professor Manjula Widanapathirana, along with Deputy Director Generals, Directors, and other officials.
