Digital Education Policies Set for March Deadline

Sri Lanka's Digital Transformation in Education: A Major Step Forward
Sri Lanka is taking significant steps toward modernizing its education system through a comprehensive digital transformation initiative. The country's Digital Task Force on Education Reform has announced that the policy framework for this transformation will be submitted for Cabinet approval by March 2026. This move marks a crucial milestone in the nation's efforts to integrate technology into the educational landscape.
The proposal was recently presented during a meeting of the Subcommittee under the Ministerial Consultative Committee on Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education. The event took place in Parliament and was chaired by Prime Minister and Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya. During the session, officials from the task force outlined their plan, emphasizing the importance of digitalization in addressing key challenges within the education sector.
Focus Areas of the Digital Transformation
The digitalization process is set to focus on six main sectors. According to the officials, the initiative aims to provide a meaningful response to the teacher shortage by leveraging technology. Additionally, the program will prioritize equipping schools with relevant ICT (Information and Communication Technology) equipment and resources. This includes ensuring the uninterrupted operation of the school system during adverse conditions and delivering children’s learning experiences through digital platforms.
One of the key objectives of the digital transformation is to ensure that all schools have access to essential digital tools. By December 31, 2025, it is expected that schools without internet facilities will be provided with internet access. Furthermore, schools that lack at least one digital smart board and either a computer or a laptop are also targeted for improvement.
Current Challenges in School Infrastructure
According to data shared by officials, there are still significant gaps in the infrastructure of some schools across the country. Three schools among the dual-mode schools lack electricity, while 546 schools do not have at least one computer, laptop, or tablet. Additionally, 2,088 schools do not have a digital smart board. These figures highlight the urgent need for investment and support in upgrading the educational infrastructure.
Prime Minister's Support and Call for Collaboration
Expressing her views on the matter, the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of collective support for this unique transformation in the education sector. She noted that the initiative involves a substantial investment in the future and requires the cooperation of all stakeholders. To this end, she called on individuals and organizations to provide suitable ideas and proposals to the Digital Task Force on Education Reform.
The meeting was attended by several key figures, including Education and Higher Education Deputy Minister Dr. Madhura Senevirathna, Members of Parliament, and a group of officials. Among them was Nalaka Kaluwewa, the Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education. Their presence underscored the government's commitment to driving this digital transformation forward.
Looking Ahead
With the proposed policy framework set to be submitted for Cabinet approval in early 2026, the next few years will be critical for Sri Lanka’s education sector. The successful implementation of this digital transformation could significantly enhance the quality of education, improve access to learning resources, and address long-standing challenges such as teacher shortages and inadequate infrastructure.
As the country moves forward, continued collaboration between government agencies, educators, and the private sector will be essential in ensuring the success of this ambitious initiative. With a clear vision and strong support, Sri Lanka has the potential to create a more inclusive and technologically advanced education system for future generations.
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