Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, stated that preschool education is considered the most critical stage in shaping a child’s future educational journey, and the government is committed to ensuring quality of Early Childhood Education. 

The Prime Minister further emphasized the need for proper supervision and monitoring of early childhood education programmes across all provinces, the PM’s Office said. 

The Prime Minister made these remarks while participating in a certificate awarding ceremony held today (05) at the Kurunegala Provincial Council Auditorium for diploma holders of the 2023/2024 Preschool Teacher Training Diploma Programme conducted by the North Western Preschool Teacher Training College during her education inspection tour in the Kurunegala District.

The diploma awarding ceremony was jointly organized by the Early Childhood Education Development Authority and the North Western Provincial Council. The North Western Preschool Teacher Training College is one of Sri Lanka’s leading state training institutions dedicated to strengthening early childhood education, particularly within the North Western Province.

During the event, invited speakers briefed the newly qualified diploma holders on the Government’s policy direction regarding early childhood development, the statement said. 

Addressing the gathering after presenting diploma certificates to the Diploma Holders, the Prime Minister stated:

“We are planning to establish stability in early childhood education over the next few years. In order to achieve this, we are working in collaboration with the National Education Commission, the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs, and the Ministry of Education to develop policies, standards for teacher training, and the regulatory mechanisms required for effective monitoring and implementation.

We are also making arrangements to commence preschool teacher training programmes this year. Through these efforts, we expect to introduce a common curriculum for preschools across the country by 2027. It is equally important to create a proper understanding within society about the purpose and value of preschool education.

The primary objective of preschool education is to prepare children for their future primary education. Therefore, preschool education should focus on developing essential skills such as motor abilities and other age-appropriate competencies.

As parents and adults, it is our responsibility to ensure the path for children to develop social skills and knowledge in ways that are suitable for their age, without placing unnecessary burdens on them. As preschool teachers, you play a significant role in communicating to society what we truly expect from early childhood education.”