Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that pathways should be created for all children to progress towards obtaining a degree, with subjects appropriately structured within the education system being created through the new education reforms, rather than focusing solely on the existing education system.

The Prime Minister made these remarks at a discussion held today (19) at Parliament  with officials of the Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, the University Grants Commission, and representatives of the All Ceylon Nurses’ Association.

The discussion focused particularly on expanding nursing education beyond a diploma to enable students to pursue a degree, as well as establishing the necessary higher education facilities to support this progression, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Media Division.

Attention was also given to the expeditious submission of the report of the committee appointed for this purpose and to developing an educational pathway for students to obtain a nursing degree, the statement said.

Speaking at the meeting, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated:

“Within the new education reforms, pathways are being developed through both academic and vocational education for children to obtain degrees and enter professions. We need to understand that these are two different pathways, with different objectives. 

“However, in providing degree-level education in nursing, the necessary measures must be taken to ensure the development of the health system, the education system, and the quality of the nursing profession. 

“Similarly, under the new education reforms, the education system should be structured so that, through vocational education, students can pursue higher education in other professions in the health sector, such as caregiving and elderly care.”

The meeting was attended by the officials of the Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education and the University Grants Commission also participated in the discussion. The President of the All Ceylon Nurses’ Association, Ravindra Kahandawaarachchi, Secretary S. B. Madiwatte, and members of the Association’s Executive Committee were also present.