Grade one education reforms begin

Admissions for Grade 1 students for the year 2026 commence today, January 29, marking the rollout of the government's latest educational reforms. The national ceremony takes place at Gunasekara Vidyalaya in Athurugiriya, themed "First Step to the Future," featuring Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya as the chief guest.

While the administration initially planned to introduce reforms for both Grade 1 and Grade 6 this year, the Grade 6 implementation faced a delay until next year due to a controversy surrounding the English language module. However, the government confirmed that the Grade 1 reforms proceed as scheduled starting today.

Expressing well wishes to the new students, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya emphasized the government's stance that a child’s education should never depend on their parents' economic status, nor should any child face exclusion from the learning process.

Despite the official launch, protests occurred yesterday demanding that the Grade 6 reforms begin this year without delay. Prime Minister Amarasuriya encountered one such demonstration near the Galle Fort. Additionally, a separate protest organized by the Samagi Jana Balawegaya under the theme "No to Distorted Education" took place near the Kalutara main bus stand yesterday afternoon.

During the Kalutara protest, a heated confrontation broke out between an urban councilor and a motorcyclist passing through the area, leading to both individuals being taken into custody. Kalutara South Police stated that the urban councilor faces court today, while the motorcyclist remains under treatment at Nagoda Hospital and received police bail.