The Archbishop of Colombo, His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith, has voiced strong objections to a planned sexual education programme set to be introduced in Sri Lanka’s school curriculum next year.
Speaking at the reopening of St. Stephen’s Church in Meerigama, Cardinal Ranjith described the initiative as “inappropriate”, alleging it is being prepared under the influence of international organisations such as the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
The programme, slated to begin in January 2026, reportedly introduces sexual education from Grade 6, with teacher training and seminars already underway.
The Cardinal questioned the necessity of the curriculum, asserting that parents should guide children on such matters. He also alleged that the proposed lessons include same-sex relationships and birth control, and accused foreign entities of funding and influencing the government and the Education Ministry.
“They have given money to the government and the Education Ministry, printed books, and are now implementing a plan that misleads our children,” Cardinal Ranjith said, warning that the programme could undermine Sri Lanka’s cultural and moral values.
He described the curriculum as “an attempt to destroy our children” by importing Western values that have lost religion and morality.
The Archbishop urged the government to halt the lessons and appealed directly to the President to prevent the Ministry of Education from advancing the programme.
“If the Ministry of Education is acting in ways that lead innocent children astray, we must completely reject it,” the Cardinal added.
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