History still part of curriculum amid education reforms: Cabinet Spokesman

Wednesday, 23 July 2025 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa

Education reforms misconceptions debunked
Cabinet Spokesman Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa labels Opposition allegations as politically motivated and misleading
Confirms reforms are still under consultation, with pilot implementation in Grades 1 and 6
Asserts Education Ministry open to hold stakeholder discussions for feedback; reforms aim to address outdated content and include technology education
Parliament to hold adjournment debate on reforms tomorrow

Cabinet Spokesperson and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa yesterday dismissed claims that history and aesthetic subjects are being removed from the school curriculum under the proposed education reforms, calling such reports misleading and politically motivated.

In response to questions posed at the weekly post-Cabinet meeting media briefing yesterday, he claimed false information was being circulated by the Opposition groups alleging that history and arts have been eliminated from the national curriculum.

Dr. Jayatissa asserted that the reforms are being misrepresented for political gain at the expense of children’s futures.

“The Education Ministry is currently accepting feedback and proposals from all stakeholders. The reforms are still in a consultative phase and will initially be implemented in Grades 1 and 6,” he stressed.

The Cabinet Spokesman further clarified that the Education Ministry will hold a series of discussions over the coming days with educators, parents and experts to gather constructive input. Dr. Jayatissa also highlighted that one of the core objectives of the reforms is to address long-standing gaps in the national curriculum, particularly in areas such as technology education, to better prepare students for the demands of a rapidly changing world.

He said the conscience of teachers is important as they need to be trained and it requires time. Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya in her capacity as the Education Minister recently said the curriculum in teacher training colleges has not changed for the past 16 years. “From August onwards, we will begin training teacher trainers to deliver updated, relevant instructions,” she said.

Dr. Amarasuriya has maintained that the reforms were developed in consultation with experts and based on the Government’s broader policy framework.

Meanwhile, an adjournment debate on the proposed education reforms is scheduled to be held in Parliament on tomorrow (24).