Wednesday Jan 14, 2026
Wednesday Jan 14, 2026
Wednesday, 14 January 2026 05:59 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
By Charumini de Silva
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Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa |
The Cabinet of Ministers on Monday approved a proposal to postpone the planned education reforms for Grade 6, following widespread controversy over the inclusion of an inappropriate web link in a new English textbook.
Addressing the weekly post-Cabinet media briefing yesterday, Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said the decision was taken after considering the findings of a Criminal Investigation Department (CID) probe, a separate investigation by the Education Ministry, and consultations with education sector officials led by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
He said the Government decided to allow additional time to re-examine the English curriculum, its content and implementation, stressing that reforms cannot move forward without public trust.
“We believe education reforms should take place, but as a Government we are not willing to proceed if there is even the slightest hint of error or doubt. Education reform cannot go forward without minimum public confidence,” Dr. Jayatissa said.
As a result of the decision, he said the revised Grade 6 curriculum will now be introduced in 2027.
Dr. Jayatissa said both the CID and the National Institute of Education (NIE) conducted separate inquiries into how the controversial adult website link was included in the textbook.
He said the preliminary investigations revealed serious accountability lapses, and the NIE Board of Management is expected to initiate disciplinary action against officials found responsible.
“The Education Ministry will reveal the names and details of the findings very soon,” he added.
He noted that the strong public reaction reflects the high value Sri Lankans place on education, which the Government recognises and respects.
Despite the Grade 6 postponement, Dr. Jayatissa confirmed that Grade 1 education reforms scheduled for this year will proceed as planned.
He also criticised previous administrations, stating that years of mismanagement had resulted in major weaknesses in the education sector, including outdated syllabi, poor human resource planning and recruitment gaps.
Dr. Jayatissa added that growing public debate on the pressure placed on children by the education system influenced the current Government’s reform mandate, which it remains committed to implementing carefully and responsibly.
When asked about the economic impact of printed Grade 6 English textbooks, he said it hasn’t been calculated whilst explaining that it was just a few pages that needed amendments and not the entire book.
Although the first school term for State schools has already commenced, Grade 6 students have not yet received textbooks, pending the outcome of the reviews.
