Education: Reforms proceed despite disruptions
January changes remain on track Unions object to extended hours
The Ministry of Education stated the recent disruptions caused by floods and landslides will not affect the implementation of education reforms set to begin in January 2026, including the extension of school hours until 2 p.m. and changes to the curriculum.
Speaking to The Daily Morning, Ministry Secretary, Nalaka Kaluwewa said the reforms would proceed exactly as planned. “When schools reopen in January, all previously announced changes will come into effect across the relevant grades, with full implementation expected by 22 January. Schools have already been instructed through circulars to operate in line with the new framework.”A one-week familiarization program will be in place for Grade Six students before the reforms are rolled out. The extended school day, which will run until 2 p.m., will also be implemented as scheduled.
Under the reform package, the number of subjects at the Ordinary Level examination will be reduced to seven. Students will study five core subjects — Mathematics, English, their Mother Tongue, Religion, and Science — and choose two more from streams such as Technology, Aesthetics, Management and Entrepreneurship, Humanities and Social Sciences, and Health and Physical Education. The school timetable will shift to seven teaching periods per day, each lasting 50 minutes.Several teachers’ trade unions, including the Ceylon Teachers’ Union (CTU), have opposed the extension of school hours, arguing the reforms should be carried out within the current 7.30 a.m. to 1.30 p.m. timetable. Unions have also claimed that the Ministry failed to consult teachers adequately before finalizing the changes.
Responding to these criticisms, Kaluwewa said earlier the Ministry had offered multiple opportunities for unions to present their views. “We have given enough opportunities for the TUs to express their opinions. On two occasions, when almost all unions were invited, some representatives walked out without engaging in any discussion,” he said.
