A new curriculum will be introduced for preschools in 2027, while steps will also be taken to train teachers accordingly and to regulate preschools through a regulatory authority, the Prime Minister, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated.
The Prime Minister made these remarks while addressing an awareness programme for preschool teachers in the Hambantota District on education reforms, held today (15) at the Ambalantota Pradeshiya Sabha Auditorium.
During the programme, preschool teachers briefed the Prime Minister about the challenges they currently face.
Responding to their concerns, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya further stated:
“The issues within the preschool system cannot be discussed separately from the broader crisis in society and in the education sector. When we assumed the office in 2024, our primary challenge was to free the country from its debt burden and to establish sound economic indicators.
Although 2025 was a challenging year, we were able to bring the country’s economy to a certain level of stability and manage the national budget accordingly.
While we were working towards economic recovery, the war in the Middle East began, which has had certain impacts on our country as well. A significant amount of Sri Lanka’s foreign remittances come from our fellow citizens working in the Middle East. Today, both their livelihoods and employment are under threat. In addition, a large number of tourists travelled to Sri Lanka through Middle Eastern airspace, and the closure of those air routes and airports has reduced tourist arrivals. Another issue concerns fuel transportation. This problem has affected not only Sri Lanka but many countries around the world. If the war continues for a long period, it will have further impacts on us, and therefore we must be prepared. We also need to manage the economy carefully and reduce certain expenditures.
Although we have the ability to borrow, our intention is not to weaken the country’s economy by relying on loans.
You are aware that we have begun implementing education reforms. Within that policy framework, we are also taking steps to reform preschool education. So far, the establishment of preschools and early childhood development has not been carried out in a systematic manner. Therefore, we must regulate and standardize all preschools, which is not an easy task. First, all preschools must be formally registered. We have already prepared a curriculum for teacher training. In addition, we plan to introduce a new curriculum for preschools in 2027, provide teacher training accordingly, and regulate preschools through a regulatory authority. A recognized curriculum has also been prepared for the preschool diploma. In the future, priority for preschool teachers will be given based on these qualifications. We will also take gradual steps to enhance the professionalism of preschool teachers and establish a proper salary structure.”
The Prime Minister further stated that preschools fall under the authority of Provincial Councils and Pradeshiya Sabhas, while the line ministry can only provide policy recommendations. She also emphasized that issues related to preschools should be addressed in a systematic manner through structural committees and District Development Committees.
