In a heated exchange in Parliament, Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya and Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa engaged in a heated debate over education policies, sparking intense discussions among lawmakers. The clash centered on two key issues: the controversial practice of soliciting financial contributions from parents for smart board purchases and the controversial closure of the Faculty of Post Graduate Studies at Wickramarachchi University.
The Opposition Leader raised concerns about schools, both in remote areas and in Colombo, allegedly soliciting funds from parents to acquire smart boards. This practice has sparked debates about the ethical implications of placing financial burdens on families. Additionally, the closure of the Faculty of Post Graduate Studies at Wickramarachchi University has been a contentious topic, with the Opposition Leader questioning the reasons behind the decision.
In response, Prime Minister Amarasuriya defended the government's efforts, highlighting the distribution of 1,500 smart boards to schools. She attributed the closure of the Faculty of Post Graduate Studies to various operational challenges and the need for a more suitable infrastructure. The debate underscored the complexities of educational policy-making and the need for transparent communication with the public.