The Prime Minister made these remarks during a meeting held today (22) with members of the Teachers’ and Principals’ Trade Union Alliance, where several pressing issues in the education sector were discussed.
During the meeting, trade union representatives raised concerns regarding the extension of school hours by 30 minutes in relation to the new education reforms scheduled to be implemented in 2026.
Responding to these concerns, Dr. Amarasuriya explained that under the revised classroom-based assessment system proposed in the new reforms, one teaching period would need to be extended to 50 minutes. This, she noted, is intended to allow teachers sufficient time to carry out assessment-related work and to enable students to effectively engage in both academic and practical activities.
The Prime Minister further stated that the proposals and concerns submitted by the trade unions would be carefully reviewed.
The discussion also focused on the reconstruction of schools damaged by recent natural disasters. Attention was drawn to the urgent need to restore schools that are currently unable to resume academic activities and to take necessary measures to normalise education in the affected areas at the earliest possible time.
