Sri Lanka is stepping up efforts to modernise its education system by leveraging digital technology while ensuring child safety and equitable access, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya announced. The initiative will see digital devices received through foreign aid distributed strategically across schools, supported by teacher training and structured usage guidelines.
Speaking at the Ministry of Education in Isurupaya on January 27, Dr. Amarasuriya highlighted that the success of digital education depends on careful human resource planning and a child protection–based framework. “Students will engage with technology appropriate to their age and grade, ensuring that learning is safe, inclusive, and effective,” she said.
The announcement follows consultations with representatives from Huawei and the UNESCO International Research and Training Center on Rural Education (UNESCO-INRULED). Professor Zhao Shouyi, Executive Director of UNESCO-INRULED, briefed the Prime Minister on priority areas for digital education, including providing interactive screens and smart classroom technologies, particularly for rural schools. He also confirmed that teacher training programmes aligned with the Ministry’s reform agenda will accompany the rollout of new technologies.
Dr. Amarasuriya said a formal mechanism will be set up to distribute foreign-assisted digital devices fairly, ensuring all schools benefit. She noted that teachers have already been trained to use modern digital tools effectively, marking a significant step toward sustainable education reform.
Professor Zhao praised the Sri Lankan government’s leadership in promoting education reforms through technology, while the Prime Minister acknowledged the ongoing support of the Chinese government in advancing national digitalisation projects.
The session was attended by Deputy Minister of Education and Higher Education Dr. Madura Seneviratne, officials from UNESCO-INRULED and Huawei, representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, UNESCO Sri Lanka, and senior officials from the Prime Minister’s and Education Ministries.
