– Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya has warned that retaining children within the school system is becoming an increasing challenge, particularly among boys beyond the age of 16.Speaking during the Second Reading debate on the Bill to amend legislation relating to the employment of women, young persons and children in Parliament today (20), she said compulsory education up to the age of 16 had already been established in law.However, she said the Government had observed a declining trend among boys remaining in education beyond the age of 16.According to the Prime Minister, children who do not complete the full 13 years of school education could face a range of risks and vulnerabilities when entering society.She said children who leave school without the necessary skills and qualifications could become more vulnerable to exploitation, harmful influences and even 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,” she said.

The Prime Minister said the Government was working to create a safe, supportive and conducive learning environment to encourage children to remain in education.She said the new Grade 1 curriculum had been introduced this year, while preparations were underway to introduce new curricula for Grades 2 and 6 in 2027.