• Claims responsibility for same cannot solely be relegated to a few NIE officials 
• Finds fault with all involved in planning and implementing including political and admin. leadership such as Edu. Min., Dep. Edu. Min., Edu. Secy.
• Govt. says revised Gr. 1 curriculum from 29 Jan. 

Claiming that responsibility cannot be limited to a few National Institute of Education (NIE) officials over failures in the education reform process, the Ceylon Teachers’ Union (CTU) has requested the appointment of an independent body, similar to a Presidential Commission of Inquiry (CoI), to examine the entire process and recommend action against those responsible.

Speaking to The Daily Morning, CTU President, Priyantha Fernando said that action taken against several NIE officials over the inclusion of an inappropriate website reference in the Grade Six English module addresses only one issue. He said the decision to postpone the Grade Six education reforms by one year itself shows the reform process has not delivered the intended results. He pointed out that large sums of public money was spent on printing modules, training teachers, revising school timetables, and holding meetings linked to the reform process. Despite this neither students, parents, nor teachers have seen any meaningful outcome. “Taking action against a few officers is not enough. Everyone involved in planning and implementing this process must be held responsible” he said.

Speaking further, Fernando said that accountability should extend beyond NIE officials to include the political and administrative leadership, including the Education Minister, the Education Ministry Secretary, and the Deputy Education Minister. "During a recent meeting, we requested the President to appoint a body like a Presidential Commission and order a full investigation. He indicated that he would consider it, but no step has been taken so far."

The comments come amid disciplinary action against several NIE officials over the Grade Six English module controversy. The NIE Deputy Director General (DDG) Darshana Samaraweera has been sent on compulsory leave, and two other NIE officials have been suspended. Earlier, the NIE DG Prof. Manjula Vithanapathirana stepped down pending the outcome of an internal inquiry.

Earlier this month (January 2026), the Cabinet of Ministers decided to review the Grade Six education reforms and defer their implementation until next year (2027). Cabinet Spokesperson Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said the decision followed findings from investigations by the Criminal Investigation Department and the NIE, and that the NIE Governing Council would take disciplinary action against the officers found responsible. He also said the Cabinet agreed the Grade Six reforms needed further review, though reforms planned for Grade One would continue as scheduled.

Meanwhile, the Government is taking steps to keep the public and all stakeholders informed about the new education reforms, Dr. Jayatissa stated. Speaking at the weekly Cabinet media briefing held at the Government Information Department, Dr. Jayatissa noted that due to concerns raised by certain factions, it is not possible to advance the education reforms without informing all the relevant parties. He said that therefore, steps are being taken to ensure that everyone is kept up to date. He further noted that following the controversy surrounding the Grade 6 English module, two officials, including the DD of the NIE, have been sent on compulsory leave to facilitate investigations. He also emphasised the education reforms have not been stopped and that other related activities are continuing. Preparations are underway to implement the revised curriculum for Grade 1 students from 29 January, while the curriculum for Grade 6 students has been temporarily suspended, he added. This period will be used to inform all stakeholders and resolve existing concerns. Speaking further, Dr. Jayatissa said: “Some Opposition groups are still spreading damaging opinions about the education reforms. As a Government, we are committed to implementing reforms that will fundamentally improve education for an entire generation and contribute to national development. These reforms cannot move forward if there is confusion or disruption caused by small groups or individuals. Therefore, the Government intends to inform the public about the education reforms and provide time for structured discussions with all the relevant parties. Only the Grade 6 curriculum has been temporarily suspended for a few months. During this period, we will be able to address and resolve the disruptions caused by a few parties.”