The Deputy Director General of the National Institute of Education, Darshana Samaraweera, has been sent on compulsory leave over the controversial Grade 6 English module.

Two other NIE officials have been suspended in connection with the same issue.

Earlier, NIE Director General Prof. Manjula Vithanapathirana stepped down pending the outcome of an internal inquiry.

The Ministry of Education suspended distribution of a newly printed Grade 6 English module after it was found to contain a reference to an inappropriate website.

Education Ministry Secretary Nalaka Kaluwewe has lodged a complaint with the Criminal Investigation Department, and investigations are ongoing.

Meanwhile, Cabinet has decided to defer proposed Grade 6 education reforms until 2027.