The government has blamed the opposition and certain media outlets for the ongoing controversy over the proposed education reforms that have resulted in the temporary suspension of the proposed education reforms for Grade 6. Cabinet Spokesperson, Minister Nalinda Jayatissa has criticized the opposition and some media outlets over their stance on the education reforms.
Jayatissa has accused some television channels of promoting the views of opposition members of parliament (MPs) — including Dilith Jayaweera, Sajith Premadasa, Namal Rajapaksa and Wimal Weerawansa — to create the perception that reforms posed a threat to children while responding to a question from journalists on whether the reforms could be implemented this year.
“It was not balanced at 50/50,” he has said. “Some channels created this perception. Sajith Premadasa was lamenting highlighting the 150 alleged errors in the reforms and focused on the ‘dot net’ issue, claiming the reforms were not suitable for children. Even today, he uses his MPs to organize demonstrations against them.”
Jayatissa has journalists to examine the proportion of their coverage that opposed the reforms, saying, “You have to see whether your channels reflected public opinion at the time.”
He has said reforms could not be implemented for Grade 6 students in a context where public demonstrations are being amplified beyond their actual scale. However, he confirmed that reforms for Grade 1 students would proceed on Thursday (29), adding that the government is committed to moving forward with the process.
“If someone now says to implement the reforms after having opposed them, they must have a justifiable reason,” he has said. “Many of these issues could be resolved if a no-confidence motion is brought. That would be decisive.”
Jayatissa has further said the opposition leader and MPs must take consistent positions on education, calling it a sensitive issue that requires clear justification for any change in stance.
He has also acknowledged the concerns of parents, saying their demands are fair, but stressed that reforms can only be implemented when there is clarity and confidence in the process.
Meanwhile, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has noted that the opposition is willing to support the proper implementation of education reforms.
He has criticized the government for failing to introduce reforms for Grade 6, leaving many children disadvantaged, and stressed that the responsibility for halting reforms lies with the current President and government, not the opposition.
Premadasa has noted that thousands of parents had been expecting reforms for Grade 6 this year, but their hopes were dashed due to delays.
He has urged that experts in the education sector be consulted to remove flaws and implement reforms correctly and swiftly within this year.
Premadasa has further stated that the opposition is ready to contribute ideas in formal discussions and extend support to ensure reforms are carried out effectively.
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