Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya says the government will take direct responsibility for reforming Sri Lanka’s early childhood education sector by improving its quality and professionalism, while ensuring that no one currently engaged in the preschool sector is excluded and that their professional security is protected.
She made these remarks while addressing the national programme held today (16) at Temple Trees to mark the third day of the 2026 National Early Childhood Care and Development Week, held under the theme “A Loving Family – A Ray of Sunshine for a Growing Child.”
The programme brought together more than 600 preschool teachers representing all districts of the country. It also featured an expert discussion on the role of teachers and caregivers in creating a nurturing environment that supports children’s social, emotional and behavioural development.
Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Amarasuriya emphasised that early childhood is the most critical stage in shaping a child’s personality, future and outlook on life. She said the government is committed to transforming the existing fragmented and informal early childhood education system by introducing reforms that raise educational standards and professional recognition.
The Prime Minister noted that the government is currently preparing a National Education Policy that will recognise early childhood education as the first stage of formal education and eventually make it compulsory for every child.
She assured preschool teachers that the government has no intention of removing any existing teachers or operators currently managing early childhood development centres or preschools. Instead, the objective is to recognise them as qualified professionals by introducing common standards and recognised qualifications.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the importance of ensuring that children with disabilities and neurodivergent children are fully integrated into mainstream education and society, calling for greater attention to inclusive learning.
She further pointed out that the lack of basic infrastructure, including proper sanitation facilities in institutions attended by children, remains a serious concern. The government, she said, is committed to addressing these shortcomings by improving essential infrastructure across the sector.
Dr. Amarasuriya also expressed appreciation for the dedication of preschool teachers and administrators who continue to serve despite numerous challenges, reaffirming the government’s commitment to protecting their professional dignity.
Meanwhile, Minister of Women and Child Affairs Saroja Savithri Paulraj stressed that approximately 90 per cent of a child’s brain development takes place during the first five years of life, making early childhood education a vital foundation for lifelong development.
She noted that while preschool education has long functioned as a self-managed profession outside a formal government structure, the Ministry is now taking steps to establish it as a recognised closed public service with a clear professional framework.
The Minister assured those currently working in the sector that no teacher or administrator would lose their position under the new system. Instead, the government intends to integrate them into a professionally recognised service similar to the teaching profession, while guaranteeing their employment security and professional recognition.
Deputy Chairperson of Committees of Parliament Hemali Weerasekara, Secretary to the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs Tharangani Wickramasinghe, members of the diplomatic community, senior officials from the Ministries of Health and Education, representatives of the National Institute of Education, and preschool teachers from across the country attended the event.
