A group of academics, professionals, and social activists have issued a joint statement strongly supporting the government’s ongoing education reforms while condemning the attacks directed at Prime Minister and Minister of Education Dr. Harini Amarasuriya by certain opposition groups and individuals.

The signatories described such attacks as hateful, indecent, and a disgrace to civilized society, warning that they normalize misogynistic attitudes and undermine progressive women’s political leadership, thereby shrinking the space for constructive engagement on urgently needed reforms.

The statement emphasized that Sri Lanka requires an education system grounded in forward-looking principles as articulated in the National People’s Power (NPP) Education Policy, now adopted as government policy.

It stressed that education should be viewed not merely as a commodity but as a process for developing advanced and civilized citizens through visionary leadership, ethics, integrity, social mobility, community participation, inclusion of diverse social groups, and effective communication.

The signatories outlined key priorities for reform, including:

• Ensuring equal access to education for all segments of society.
• Eliminating disparities between privileged and underprivileged groups.
• Affirming the state’s responsibility to provide education to all.
• Equipping learners with knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values to become democratic citizens.
• Contributing to employment generation that meets changing social needs.
• Embracing cultural diversity and pluralism across all communities.
• Eliminating discrimination against any social group.
• Promoting social, economic, and environmental well-being.
• Responding effectively to global and local conditions.

They further underscored the need to expand and protect the right to free education for present and future generations.

However, the statement raised serious concerns about the conduct of the National Institute of Education (NIE), citing allegations of editorial errors and problematic textbook content, as well as delays and lapses in responsibility. To restore public confidence, the group urged the government to:

• Review new textbooks for Grades 1–6 and future publications through an independent mechanism separate from NIE officials.
• Restructure the NIE via a specially appointed committee or commission after a comprehensive review of its role and performance.
• Conduct a formal and inclusive dialogue on education reforms with stakeholders, including teachers’ unions, ensuring transparency and accountability.
• Allocate a substantial portion of the national budget to raise public expenditure on education to 6% of GDP.

The signatories also called on the government to intervene decisively against crude and hateful rhetoric that dehumanizes sexuality and identity, noting that such discourse runs counter to the fundamental objective of educational reform: building a progressive and mature citizenry that respects all social identities.

They reminded that the transformative vision for education continues to enjoy strong support from the academic and professional community as well as the broader public.

Signatories include: Prof. Emeritus Jayadeva Uyangoda, Prof. Emeritus Jagath Weerasinghe, Prof. Anbahan Ariyadurai, Prof. Uthpala Jayawardena, Prof. Rohan Fernando, Prof. Prince Jayadevan, Dr. S. Arivalzahan, Prof. Nirmal Ranjith Devasiri, Dr. N. Varathan, Sandun Thudugala (Law & Society Trust), Dr. Mariadas Alfred, Dr. Athulasiri Samarakoon, Senior Lecturer Saminathan Wimal, Dr. Dileepa Withrana, Dr. S. Selvaganesh, Vangeesa Sumanasekera (Colombo School of Philosophy), Eng. M. Sooriasegaram, Vidura Munasinghe (Attorney-at-Law), Dr. Amali Wedagedara, Senior Lecturer Janaha Selvaras, Dr. Thyagaraja Waradas, Sanjee Goonathilake (Social Activist), Dr. Visakesa Chandrasekaram, Senior Lecturer Sithumina Rathnamalala, Dr. Vivimarie Vander Poorten, Shreen Saroor (Social Activist), and Hiranyada Devasiri (Researcher).