Instruction ought to be liberated from political impact - President Ranil

President Ranil Wickremesinghe delivered a poignant address at the 10th Biennial Conference of the All Island Professional Lecturers’ Association (APLA), emphasizing the critical need to keep education free from political influence to ensure the nation's progress.

During his speech, President Wickremesinghe urged all stakeholders to prioritize collaborative discussions over personal biases in shaping the country's education system over the next two to three years. He stressed the importance of inclusivity and dialogue in crafting effective reforms.

The President acknowledged the contributions of the APLA, a consortium of tuition teachers, and highlighted the importance of their involvement in the government's forthcoming education reforms. He reiterated the significance of integrating input from education experts, school teachers, and professionals from various sectors in shaping the future of education.

President Wickremesinghe recalled his tenure as Minister of Education in 1981, when he authored a White Paper opposing the prohibition of private classes. He emphasized the need to address the shortcomings in the education sector and the growing reliance on supplementary classes due to political interference.

Touching upon the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the President praised the initiative of providing online education and lamented the shelving of a tablet distribution project proposed in 2017. He emphasized the importance of embracing technological advancements and adapting to changes in education.

President Wickremesinghe highlighted Sri Lanka's historical legacy in pioneering Western-style education in Asia and implementing free education. He called for strategic planning to incorporate new technology into the education system, envisioning a modern framework tailored for the future.

In conclusion, the President emphasized the need for inclusive discussions involving various stakeholders to determine the optimal education system for Sri Lanka by 2050. He underscored the importance of transcending political divisions and collaborating towards shaping the future of education for the nation's prosperity.