Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya has outlined Sri Lanka's plans to shift its education system away from examination-focused learning toward developing professional skills and responsible citizenship, speaking at an international relations conference in Colombo.
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya addressed the International Studies Association conference held in Colombo from August 6 to 8, highlighting the Government's push to fundamentally restructure how Sri Lanka educates its youth. The conference, hosted in the country for the first time in South Asia, brought together scholars and policymakers to discuss regional and global issues affecting the broader region.
In her remarks, the Prime Minister identified examination-oriented education systems as a constraint limiting young people's learning experiences across South Asia. She stated that Sri Lanka is transitioning toward an educational model that creates diverse pathways for professional development while fostering socially responsible citizens. The transformation forms part of broader institutional reforms aimed at strengthening transparent and accountable governance, according to a statement from the Prime Minister's Office.
The Prime Minister invited greater regional cooperation and dialogue to support this educational shift, positioning Sri Lanka as a traditional hub for learning in South Asia. She acknowledged that institutional reform requires sustained effort, intellectual humility, and willingness to confront difficult challenges. On economic matters, the Prime Minister noted that international recognition of Sri Lanka's governance improvements has enhanced the country's attractiveness as an investment destination, though she recognized that poverty remains a concern requiring continued growth and sectoral expansion.
The conference is expected to facilitate new research collaborations and policy discussions on geopolitics, regional security, economic cooperation, climate change, and governance structures across South Asia.
