Grades 2 and 6 Next in Sri Lanka’s Education Revolution

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka's ambitious effort to reshape its education system entered a new phase this week, as parliamentarians were given a detailed briefing on the country's wide-ranging education reforms, including a revamped national curriculum, new assessment methods and the growing push towards smart and digitally connected classrooms.

The special meeting of the Ministerial Consultative Committee on Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education was held at Parliament on October 22 under the leadership of Prime Minister and Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.

At the heart of the discussion was the Revised National Curriculum Framework 2026 and the new School-Level Assessment and Certification Framework, both of which form key pillars of the Government's education reform agenda.

Lawmakers were also updated on the progress of reforms that were first introduced for Grade 1 students last year, as well as preparations for the next stage of implementation, which is scheduled to cover Grades 2 and 6 in the coming year.

Attention was also focused on the ongoing project to equip schools with Smart Classrooms, internet connectivity and digital devices, initiatives aimed at bringing modern technology directly into the learning environment and reducing the digital gap in education.

Education Ministry Secretary Nalaka Kaluwewa told the committee that the reform programme is being carried out under five strategic pillars and is supported by a National Steering Committee together with five sub-committees assigned to oversee each area of reform.

He explained that the education transformation process was launched in 2025 in line with the policy direction of the National Education Commission and that the reforms were successfully introduced for Grade 1 students in January 2026. According to the Secretary, all necessary preparations have now been completed to extend the reforms to Grades 2 and 6 in 2027.

National Institute of Education Director General Senior Professor O.G. Dayarathna Banda told the meeting that Sri Lanka's education system already compares favorably with those of many developed countries and that the latest reforms are intended to elevate those standards even further.

He noted that the revised curriculum framework was developed through a structured process based on foundational research and Cabinet approval, ensuring that curriculum changes are guided by evidence and national policy objectives.

According to the Director General, the reforms are designed not only to strengthen academic knowledge but also to promote ethical values, practical competencies and critical skills among students.