Teachers’ unions say government education reforms lack transparency and planning

The Ceylon Teachers’ Union (CTU) has raised serious concerns over ongoing education reforms, highlighting that no formal documentation regarding the programme has been submitted so far, and none is expected next year either.

Speaking to the media, CTU General Secretary Joseph Stalin said the proposals currently being implemented do not constitute a genuine reform initiative.

“What is being pushed by this government is not a new education reform. This is a continuation of plans drafted back in 2019 by the Education Ministry under the Gotabaya Rajapaksa administration. The current NPP administration is merely implementing a politically-driven reform that contradicts established national education policies,” Stalin explained.

He added that the government has only presented a superficial presentation on the reforms, without any substantive discussion with stakeholders.

“Even next year, until these reforms are fully operational, no official documents will be submitted. The presentation that was circulated by the Education Minister in the provinces was nothing more than a showpiece. There has been no consultation, no deliberation. What is the point of presenting a plan without discussion?”

Stalin said that any major reform, particularly in a sector as critical as education, must begin with public consultation.

“We have not seen any meaningful discussion with the people. A proper regulatory framework is essential for implementing reforms. No such regulatory programme exists for these education reforms,” he noted.

He referenced the 1997 primary education reforms, noting that the initial pilot project in the Gampaha District allowed authorities to evaluate successes and failures before rolling out the programme nationwide.

“Has such regulatory oversight been applied to these new reforms? The answer is no,” he said.

The CTU also raised concerns about the introduction of the new “modular” system, warning that there has been no pilot testing or evaluation to determine its impact on the education system.

Stalin stressed that rushing implementation without trial runs could have severe consequences.

“If this new methodology fails, the greatest victims will be the children currently in school during this transition period,” he warned.