Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya: English language should be a tool to broaden opportunities, not to widen social disparities
COLOMBO: The government has announced plans to increase the number of English-medium schools from 825 to at least 1,000 as part of a sweeping set of education reforms, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya revealed at the Sri Lanka Education Conference 2025, held in Colombo on June 3, and organized by the British Council.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Amarasuriya underscored the importance of English language education as a means to expand opportunities for all students, rather than exacerbate existing social inequalities. “Teaching English as a language should serve as a means to broaden opportunities, not as a tool to create social disparities, and the government is ready to implement practical English teaching approaches through the upcoming education reforms,” the Prime Minister stated.
Emphasizing inclusivity and equity, Dr. Amarasuriya called for extensive cooperation from government officials, education sector representatives, development partners, private stakeholders, teachers, and school leaders. The new initiative seeks to ensure fair access to English education, empower teachers, strengthen English-medium instruction, and leverage digital tools for enhanced learning.
“We must move away from the mindset of ‘being enslaved by the English language’ and instead promote it as a socially beneficial tool,” Dr. Amarasuriya remarked, highlighting the necessity of preparing all Sri Lankan students for the future. She stressed that access to English education should not be dictated by social class, geography, or family background.
The forthcoming education reforms, set for introduction in 2026, will redefine the role of English in the curriculum. Rather than being treated solely as an examination subject, English will be integrated into active use, with a focus on speaking and writing skills. Teachers will be encouraged to help students overcome anxiety around language use, and assessment methods will be revised to reflect practical proficiency.
To support these changes, the government plans to strengthen teacher education, enhance both pre-service and in-service training, modernize curricula, and implement continuous professional development. There will be a concerted effort to increase the number of bilingual teachers and provide additional training to current educators.
Addressing the impact of technology on education, Dr. Amarasuriya acknowledged the persistent digital divide and affirmed the government’s commitment to training teachers in the latest technological tools, ensuring equitable access for all students.
The Prime Minister concluded by reiterating the need for collective effort to deliver quality education through these reforms and urged all sectors to work together in achieving these goals.
The conference was attended by Secretary to the Ministry of Education Mr. Nalaka Kaluwawala, ministry officials, British Council representatives, language scholars, teachers, and numerous schoolchildren.
