FINANCIAL CHRONICLE — Sri Lanka’s cabinet has approved the appointment of a national steering committee for education reforms to oversee and regulate the implementation of a new academic framework, minister Nalinda Jayatissa said.
The reform process, which was initially conceptualized in 2019, is being rolled out for Grade 1 students in 2026, followed by Grade 6 in 2027.
Addressing concerns regarding the timing of the appointment, the minister said the committee is intended to act as a bridge between existing state bodies. “The Ministry of Education, the National Institute of Education, and the National Education Commission are already carrying out their respective duties,” Jayatissa told reporters. “This committee has been appointed specifically to streamline and facilitate those activities.”
He said the decision followed extensive discussions with various stakeholders. The steering committee will comprise a broad range of stakeholders, including ministers, subject matter experts, state officials, professionals, and representatives from professional unions.
Despite the new oversight body, Jayatissa said the primary responsibility for executing the reforms remains with the established statutory institutions. “These education reforms are not being implemented by this committee alone. That remains the responsibility of the Ministry, the National Institute of Education, and the Commission,” he said. (Colombo/Mar25/2026)
