The Sri Lankan government will introduce entrepreneurship and financial literacy into the Grade 6 curriculum starting in 2027 as part of broader educational reforms aimed at enhancing financial awareness and protecting youth from financial fraud.

Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya said the initiative at an event held at the Ministry of Education premises in Isurupaya.

According to the Ministry of Education, the initiative seeks to strengthen the national economy by expanding public participation in economic activities and equipping students with essential financial skills. The Prime Minister noted that commerce education, previously restricted primarily to G.C.E. Ordinary Level and Advanced Level streams, will now be taught starting from Grade 6 as a foundational life skill. She emphasized that raising national financial literacy is critical to safeguarding the public and younger generations against financial scams.

To support this practical learning shift, the government is rolling out a program to establish 100 activity based commerce learning centers nationwide in three phases between 2026 and 2028. Under the initial phase, 25 centers across all 25 districts are scheduled for establishment this year.

Prime Minister Dr. Amarasuriya stated that while the goal is not to convert every student into an entrepreneur, encouraging active economic participation remains essential for building a production based economy. She stressed that the curriculum will prioritize developing ethical entrepreneurs who value environmental protection, social responsibility and humanitarian principles over sole profit seeking.

The announcement coincided with an awards ceremony recognizing the winners of the All Island Commerce Knowledge Quiz and Entrepreneurship Skills Competition. The event also featured the launch of supplementary learning guides and new commerce teaching methodology modules. (Eduwire)