Colombo, 30 September 2026 – A vital parliamentary subcommittee has urged for significant acceleration in the implementation of the General Education Modernization Programme (GEM), a key initiative supported by the World Bank. The Subcommittee on Shortage of Physical Resources in Schools, operating under the Ministerial Consultative Committee on Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, convened recently in Parliament to review the programme’s progress.
Chaired by the Hon. Member of Parliament Samanmali Gunasinghe, the meeting brought together officials from the Ministry of Education who presented a briefing on the work undertaken in schools through the GEM programme. The subcommittee, tasked with investigating the deficit of physical resources in educational institutions across the island, expressed concerns over the pace of implementation and issued clear directives for improvement.
Key Directives Issued by the Subcommittee
During the comprehensive review, the subcommittee laid particular emphasis on several critical areas:
- Expedited Activities: A strong call was made to further expedite all ongoing activities under the General Education Modernization Programme.
- Detailed Progress Report: Officials were instructed to furnish a detailed report outlining the programme’s progress, ensuring greater transparency and accountability.
- Critical Infrastructure: The subcommittee highlighted the urgent need to address requirements related to sanitary facilities and drinking water in schools, stressing the importance of ensuring both the quality and safety of potable water for students and staff.
- Technological and Structural Enhancements: Progress reviews were also conducted on the initiative to provide telecommunication facilities to schools, as well as programmes aimed at establishing model primary schools across the country.
Ensuring Quality Education for Sri Lankan Students
The General Education Modernization Programme is a cornerstone of Sri Lanka’s efforts to enhance the quality and accessibility of education. By focusing on critical physical resources and infrastructure, the programme aims to create a more conducive learning environment for students nationwide. The World Bank’s involvement underscores the international recognition of the programme’s importance in developing Sri Lanka’s human capital.
The rigorous oversight by the parliamentary subcommittee demonstrates the government’s commitment to ensuring these crucial educational reforms are implemented effectively and without undue delay. Addressing fundamental needs such as clean water and proper sanitation is paramount for student health and well-being, directly impacting attendance and learning outcomes.
In addition to Chairperson Hon. Samanmali Gunasinghe, Hon. Members of Parliament R.M. Samantha Ranasinghe and Padmasiri Bandara, alongside various officials from the Ministry of Education, participated in the pivotal discussion, reiterating the collective responsibility towards the future of Sri Lankan education.
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