• Cites fin. losses over preparation and printing of related modules and need to recover same via legal action  
• Notes lack of P’ment oversight and non-consultation of educators, teachers, parents, MPs, academics, professionals; queries qualifications of NIE top brass 
• CTU claims Rs. 1 b already spent on reforms with more funds needed to review printed modules content and amend 
• Sarvajana Balaya Leader Dilith calls for pilot project on each module 

The main Parliamentary Opposition, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), is discussing lodging a complaint with the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) over the Grade Six education reforms, citing financial losses linked to the preparation and printing of new school modules that are now due to be reviewed, with their implementation already deferred.

Speaking to The Daily Morning, SJB Parliamentarian Rohini Kumari Wijerathna Kavirathna claimed that public funds were wasted through a reform process that was carried out behind closed doors, without discussion with educators, parents, or in Parliament. She said that money spent on printing, distribution, and related work had come entirely from taxpayers and that those responsible must be held accountable.

“The country needs education reforms. But, these cannot be done secretly. They must be open to the public, and public opinion must be taken into account. I personally informed the Prime Minister and Education Minister, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya that the SJB and I were ready to support reforms. However, they didn't let us get involved in the process. Teachers, academics, and other education professionals were not properly involved either, despite the fact that many such experts are available both within and outside politics."

Referring to the reform framework presented by the authorities, she said that although five pillars had been discussed, community awareness, described as the final pillar, had been ignored altogether. “Everything was done secretly. At the very least, these proposals should have been presented before the relevant Sectoral Oversight Committee of the Parliament. There should have been a discussion. That did not happen,” she said.

Kavirathna added that the losses incurred were the result of decisions taken without listening to others or thinking ahead. She said that Dr. Amarasuriya and the Education Ministry Secretary could not distance themselves from responsibility. “They can't say that these things happened without their knowledge. If they say so, there is no point in having a Minister and a Secretary. Legal action must be taken to recover these losses."

She also criticised the functioning of the National Institute of Education (NIE), which is tasked with preparing reforms, alleging that there were various issues within the said institution. “We need to look at the qualifications of those holding key positions. The NIE is like the backbone of the education system. If unsuitable people are in charge, the quality of what is produced will naturally suffer,” she said, adding that the SJB planned to approach the CIABOC, seeking action against the financial loss incurred in the process, and that other groups were also preparing to do so.

Meanwhile, the Ceylon Teachers’ Union (CTU) President, Priyantha Fernando, speaking to The Daily Morning, said that the printed modules would no longer be usable as changes would have to be made after the proposed review. “Nearly Rs. one billion has already been spent on these reforms. Now, more money will be needed to review the content and make changes. Those who did this should be held responsible, and the losses should be recovered from them,” he said.

He also placed responsibility on Dr. Amarasuriya, saying that the reforms were pushed through without proper discussion. “Trying to introduce these changes without talking to teachers or other stakeholders is Dr. Amarasuriya’s fault. As both the Premier and the Education Minister, she failed to handle this properly. Everything was rushed."

Elsewhere, addressing a press conference held at the Sarvajana Balaya Party headquarters, Party Leader and Opposition MP, attorney and entrepreneur Dilith Jayaweera opined that while education reforms in the country should not be postponed, the implementation of such should however be done after launching a pilot project on each module, in order to regulate them. He mentioned that the Party's Executive Committee is preparing to launch a standing committee where all academics and civil activists who are interested will be included to discuss education reforms in the long term and to introduce alternative suggestions for the Government.

Multiple attempts to contact the Ministry Secretary, Nalaka Kaluwewa proved futile.

The criticism comes after the Cabinet of Ministers decided to review the Grade Six education reforms and postpone their implementation until next year (2027). Cabinet Spokesperson Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said on Tuesday (13) that the decision followed controversy surrounding a newly printed Grade Six English language module that contained an inappropriate web reference.

Meanwhile, the Ministry has issued a statement regarding the conduct of school academic activities beginning on 21 January of this year (2026). According to the announcement, formal academic activities for the Grade One curriculum, incorporating the recently proposed educational reforms, are scheduled to commence on 29 January.