• House Leader and Min. Bimal Rathnayake claims same not subjected to proper methodological process  
• Challenges Sajith to expose any other flaw other than inappropriate web link
• Sajith says not ready to be dictated by Govt. on anti-Harini NCM debate dates
• Govt. requests at least a 2-day adjournment debate on edu. reforms 

It was revealed that a last-minute revision to the Grade Six English language module introduced under the new education reforms was carried out without following the proper methodology.

Leader of the House Bimal Rathnayake said this was revealed by the investigation committee appointed by the National Institute of Education (NIE). The NIE had appointed a preliminary investigation committee to probe the inclusion of the inappropriate website in the Grade 6 English language module. According to the committee’s report, steps have been taken to suspend two female officials of the NIE. In addition, the Deputy Director General of the NIE was sent on compulsory leave on Monday (19) in relation to the controversial Grade 6 English module. Minister Rathnayake said: “A committee was appointed by the NIE to investigate this issue. Accordingly, statements were obtained from eight individuals. Disciplinary action has been proposed against three of them, and those actions are now in effect. When a textbook is printed, it undergoes 12 rounds of checking, followed by three rounds of proofreading. It is then reviewed by the NIE, and the final copy is also checked before printing”. Rathnayake was questioned as to how the error went unnoticed despite such a process, and whether there could have been a conspiracy behind it. Responding, he said: “It is logical to question whether there was a conspiracy. However, the investigation has revealed that a revision was made at the last minute without following the entire process. While the full methodology was followed when preparing the original module, the last-minute revision has not adhered to it”.

He also responded to allegations regarding the granting of permanent appointments at the NIE to officials with insufficient qualifications. He was questioned about two officials whose qualifications were challenged, including claims that one official’s daughter is contesting the Pannala Pradeshiya Sabha Election representing the National People’s Power, and whether political affiliation influenced the appointments. Rejecting the allegations, Rathnayake said: “Absolutely not. We have not done anything like that. Whether a person has asked for votes or even if they were involved in initiating our Party, I can say with certainty that we will not interfere in such matters. There was a mistake. As far as I understand, the issue of qualifications is a separate matter, and errors can occur when unqualified individuals perform such work. It is clear however that a serious mistake was made. After reviewing the entire module, it is evident that no other content was added with the intention of directing children towards anything inappropriate. That is why I challenge the Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, if not this week, then next month (in February), to demonstrate whether there is anything inappropriate in this module apart from the link in question”.

Cabinet Spokesperson Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa stated the Government is prepared to debate the no-confidence motion (NCM) scheduled to be brought by the Opposition against the Education Minister, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, tomorrow (22) and on 23 January. Addressing the Parliament, Dr. Jayatissa further noted that if the Opposition is not ready for the debate on the aforementioned dates, an adjournment debate on education reforms could instead be held tomorrow and on 23 January.

However, expressing his views on the matter, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa asserted the decision regarding the timing of the NCM debate should rest with the Opposition, not the Government. He further stated the Opposition is not ready to debate the motion as dictated by the Government.

A discussion took place in the Parliament yesterday (20) between the Government and the Opposition on the proposed NCM against Dr. Amarasuriya, with sharp differences emerging over its presentation and the timing of a debate.

Rathnayake said that media reports had indicated the Opposition was in the process of collecting signatures for an NCM against the Education Minister, describing such a move as a serious Parliamentary matter. He said that signing an NCM and then failing to present was problematic, and added the Government was prepared to allocate tomorrow and 23 January for a debate if required. He said the Government wanted clarity on whether the Opposition intended to submit the motion.

Dr. Jayatissa also said the Opposition had initiated the NCM in response to education reforms introduced by the Premier in her capacity as the Education Minister. He said that the Government was ready to debate the matter and to explain its position on education reforms. "Even if the Opposition does not present the NCM, we, as the Government, would request an adjournment debate tomorrow to discuss education reforms. We are prepared for a full-day debate."

Premadasa responded by saying there is a clearly defined constitutional process for presenting an NCM. He said the Opposition has the right to decide the date and time of such a motion, and these decisions could not be dictated by the Government. "The Opposition will present the NCM at the appropriate time and in the proper manner. Several Opposition Parliamentarians have yet to sign the motion. It will be submitted once all the required signatures are obtained."

Chief Opposition Whip Gayantha Karunathilleka also said the matter falls within the responsibility of the Opposition, and assured the necessary steps would be taken. He said the motion would be handed over to the Speaker of the Parliament at the appropriate time.