Claims About the Suspension of Previous Government’s Educational Reforms

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Educational Reforms have been discussed for a long time in Sri Lanka. However, some misleading claims are being spread on social media.

Social Media Posts 

Social media posts claim that Prime Minister Harini stated the educational reforms proposed by the previous government’s committees will be neglected.

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It`s viral on WhatsApp, too.

We decided to search for this.

Fact Check 

Background:

News reports published in March of the previous year highlighted proposed educational reforms for Sri Lanka’s General Certificate of Education (GCE) Ordinary Level (O/L) and Advanced Level (A/L) examinations. These reforms included limiting O/L subjects to seven, replacing A, B, and C grades with a Grade Point Average (GPA), and ensuring no student failed the examination. Additionally, a new subject, “Education,” was to be introduced for the A/L examination, and vocational courses were to be offered for low-scoring students.A report can be read here 

One of the major concerns raised about these proposals was that they did not make aesthetic subjects (such as Music, Art, and Drama) or other non-core areas mandatory for students, which some educators and stakeholders believe are vital for a well-rounded education.

Contacting the National Institute of Education (NIE):

A senior official at the NIE, who is directly involved in discussions about educational reforms, clarified that the reforms proposed by the previous government are currently under review in a new phase. Discussions are ongoing, but no final decisions have been made.

Contacting the Secretary of Education Ministry:

The Secretary of the Education Ministry confirmed that all recommendations made by the previous government’s committees are under review now. Nor accepted or rejected. Fresh discussions are currently underway to plan new educational reforms.

Prime Minister`s Media Division

Prime Minister`s Media Division also confirmed that a new round of discussions is underway to make education reforms. 

Findings:

The educational reforms proposed by the previous government included:

• Limiting O/L subjects to seven core areas: Science, Mathematics, Native Language, English, Religion, Moral Education, and Information Technology, with History included as an optional subject.

• Replacing traditional grades (A, B, C, etc.) with a GPA-based system to ensure no student failed the O/L examination.

• Allowing all O/L candidates to progress to the A/L examination.

• Introducing a new subject, “Education,” for the A/L curriculum and incorporating vocational courses for students with low scores.

A significant concern was that these reforms did not prioritize or mandate aesthetic subjects such as Music, Art, and Drama, potentially limiting opportunities for students to develop creative and cultural skills.

The current government has suspended these proposed reforms while exploring new strategies. However, no final decisions or policies have been announced yet.

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Conclusion:

The claim that the new government has disregarded the previous government’s educational reforms is partially true. The reforms proposed by the previous administration have not been implemented but are not entirely discarded either. Instead, they are on hold, and fresh discussions are underway.

As of now, no finalized changes to the O/L or A/L examination structure have been announced. It is advisable to await official statements from the Ministry of Education or relevant authorities before drawing conclusions.