- Measures target excessive screen time, verbal abuse and dependence on private tutoring
The Ministry of Education is introducing a three-pronged approach to minimise the harmful effects associated with tuition classes, particularly in online spaces, following complaints received by the Ministry, The Daily Morning learns.
Speaking to The Daily Morning, Deputy Education Minister Dr Madhura Senevirathna said that the Ministry had already taken several steps to address the issue. "We cannot directly monitor or regulate tutors because tuition is a private sector activity. However, in digital spaces, we have room to regulate certain aspects, and if anything falls outside the established guidelines, we have the authority to intervene," he said.
He noted that the Ministry had already introduced measures to limit students' screen time after receiving complaints that some online classes continue late into the night. "We have received such complaints and have taken action accordingly," he said.
The Deputy Minister further said that the Ministry had also received complaints that some tutors use inappropriate language and verbally abuse students during classes. "Legal action is taken in such cases through the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs, where officers have been assigned to deal with these complaints. Anyone with information regarding such incidents can lodge complaints with the Ministry," he said.
Dr Senevirathna also said that one of the key objectives of the new education reforms is to gradually reduce the country's dependence on tuition classes. "Most of the new learning modules are student-centred, and under this approach the role of tuition classes is significantly reduced. We hope these reforms will gradually lessen the need for private tuition," he said.
He acknowledged that the tuition sector is extensive, with classes conducted both physically and online, making regulation difficult, particularly in the private sector. "However, discussions will continue within the Ministry to identify additional measures that can help reduce the negative effects of an inadequately regulated tuition system," he added.
Sri Lanka's tuition sector has long operated without a comprehensive legal or regulatory framework governing qualifications and standards for tutors. Questions have frequently been raised about the sector's influence, given the large number of children who come under the guidance of private tutors during their education.