President meets MoE officials, discusses various changes

New school text books will not contain any photos of or messages from the Education Minister, and IT will be made compulsory for Grade 5 and above, as per the instructions of President Rajapaksa.

The President had met education officials recently, and stressed the importance of introducing changes to the education system from nursery to university level without delay, the President's Media Division announced.

Combining schools with fewer students, and transforming the 19 teacher training colleges to universities are among the other top issues the President has instructed officials to look into.

“The government bears an immense cost when printing new books just to change the photo of the relevant minister. This will be halted,” President Rajapaksa said.

He requested senior education officials that the education policy be compiled according to international standards while obtaining suggestions from educationists and experts in the relevant fields. Cabinet, Parliament and public opinions are to be obtained when finalising policy.