Education Minister, PM Harini Amarasuriya, and Deputy Minister of Women and Children’s Affairs, Namal Sudarshana, have been briefed on the draft Preschool Education Policy and Curriculum Framework.

According to the Education Ministry, a session was held at the Education Ministry yesterday (03), with a focus on aligning the framework with upcoming education reforms and outlining future implementation steps.

In accordance with the responsibilities assigned to the Ministry of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Training via Extraordinary Gazette No. 2412/08 dated November 25, 2024, the ministry, alongside the Ministry of Women and Children’s Affairs, has collaborated with the National Child Secretariat, the National Education Commission, the National Institute of Education, and all provincial directors of early childhood education. UNICEF has also provided technical support in drafting this framework. 

The policy and curriculum are being prepared for Cabinet approval following practical validation in partnership with both government and non-governmental organizations involved in preschool and early childhood development.

The session emphasized the need to inform all provincial governors and chief secretaries about the preschool education policy. Discussions also covered the creation of a national preschool registry, mandatory registration of all preschools, enforcement actions for institutions failing to meet minimum standards, teacher training programs, and the registration of teacher training institutions.

PM Harini Amarasuriya expressed views on establishing day-care centres within preschools where appropriate, and acknowledged UNICEF’s continued support in making this initiative successful. Erin Tanner, Chief of Education at UNICEF, affirmed the organization’s commitment to providing ongoing financial and technical assistance.

Professor Sarath Ananda, Chairperson of the National Education Commission; Nalaka Kaluwewa, Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Training; Dr. Darshana Samarawira, Deputy Director of the National Institute of Education; as well as additional secretaries, subject directors, and officials from both ministries attended the discussion.