Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya emphasised that children should be given adequate time to enjoy their holidays, ensuring their mental health and rest.
She also stressed the importance of ensuring child protection mechanisms across every system and environment in which children are present, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Media Division.
The Prime Minister made these remarks during the Second Reading debate on amending legislation relating to the Employment of Women, Young Persons and Children (Amendment) Bill.
She says keeping students within the school education system has become a challenge to some extent, with a growing trend of boys dropping out of school, particularly after the age of 16.
The Prime Minister stated that, under the government’s new education reforms, the new curriculum for Grades 2 and 6 will be introduced from next year, while a common curriculum for all preschools has also been prepared for implementation from next year.
The Prime Minister Amarasuriya added that teacher training and other necessary preparations are already underway.
She further said the government has also focused on issues related to school student transportation, with regulations to be introduced in the future requiring vehicles transporting schoolchildren to meet minimum standards.
Under the proposed regulations, seat belts and security cameras will be mandatory in such vehicles.
Concluding her remarks, Prime Minister Amarasuriya called on parents and teachers to pay greater attention to the mental freedom of schoolchildren.
She particularly urged adults to allow children to enjoy their holidays freely during school vacations.
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya further stated:
“Our policy statement adopts a broader approach to child protection. Our primary objective is to implement a comprehensive range of interventions to address and transform the conditions and circumstances that expose children to vulnerability. The legal amendments currently being introduced form part of this broader approach.
“For instance, there have been inconsistencies in the definition of a ‘child’ across different laws, with certain provisions referring to the ages of 15, 16, 17 or 18. There are also several gaps within the existing legal framework relating to child protection.
“Our Government is taking steps to address these gaps and strengthen the child protection, while implementing broader measures to address the circumstances that place children at vulnerability.
“Compulsory education up to the age of 16 has now been established in law. However, we have observed that retaining children within the school system is becoming an increasing challenge. In particular, there is a declining trend among boys remaining in education beyond the age of 16.
“When children do not receive the full 13 years of school education, they may face a range of risks and vulnerabilities upon entering society. In some instances, they may become susceptible to harmful behaviours and negative influences.
“Furthermore, entering the workforce without the necessary skills and qualifications can increase their vulnerability to exploitation or involvement in unlawful activities. It is in recognition of these challenges that one of the key objectives of the education reforms being implemented from 2026 is to ensure that children remain within the school system for the full 13 years of education by creating a safe, supportive and conducive learning environment.
“This year, we introduced the new curriculum for Grade 1, and preparations are underway to introduce the new curriculum for Grades 2 and 6 in 2027. In parallel with curriculum reform, we are implementing a number of measures to strengthen the safety and suitability of the school environment.
“For example, Rs. 1.9 billion has been allocated in 2026 for the improvement of infrastructure in primary education. Through this allocation, we have commenced the modernisation of selected schools and the development of infrastructure that is appropriate to the needs of children.
“We have also identified that children face various psychosocial difficulties arising from challenges within their family and social environments. Where children lack appropriate opportunities to discuss and address these concerns, such circumstances can adversely affect their mental well-being and their ability to continue their education successfully.
“Accordingly, we initiated a dedicated programme in 2025 to strengthen the psychosocial well-being of children within the school system. This programme, known as the C2 Centres initiative, has commenced implementation from 2026, with the objective of establishing such centres across all schools.
“These centres are intended to provide counselling services as well as a safe and supportive environment where children can discuss their concerns, seek assistance, spend time in a calm setting, or simply have a space in which they feel secure. The pilot programme has reportedly achieved considerable success.
“We are particularly grateful for the support and commitment demonstrated by teachers, who have participated enthusiastically in the programme. Teacher training for this initiative has also commenced.
“Child protection cannot be confined to the education sector or to any single area of intervention. We are taking necessary actions to ensure safety in which children are present. We are also undertaking significant reforms in early childhood education.
“It is widely recognised that the period between the ages of three and five is critical to a child’s development. Accordingly, we have introduced a policy framework for the preschool curriculum, together with a teachers’ handbook. Training of preschool teachers based on this handbook is scheduled to commence this week, with the objective of implementing the new curriculum across all preschools from next year.
“The nutritional well-being of children is another important aspect of child protection. Accordingly, recommendations have been issued regarding appropriate nutritious foods for children. The Ministry of Health has also issued guidelines identifying foods that should and should not be provided to children, and the Ministry of Education is monitoring the implementation of these recommendations.
“The safety of children travelling in school transportation is equally important. Therefore, the Ministry of Transport has introduced a number of conditions to regulate vehicles used for the transportation of schoolchildren. We urge all parents to familiarise themselves with these requirements and to ensure that appropriate safety standards are maintained.
“Finally, I would like to reiterate my appeal to parents and teachers regarding the current school holiday period. Children need holidays as well. We recognise and appreciate the commitment of principals and teachers who strive to develop their schools to the highest possible standards.
“However, children also require time to rest and recuperate. That is why holidays are provided. Children need freedom and space for their minds as well. Therefore, I urge parents and teachers not to place excessive academic demands on children during this holiday period.”
