Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya today raised concerns over a declining trend in boys remaining in education beyond age 16, saying the government’s education reforms aim to keep children in school for the full 13 years of education.
Speaking during the Second Reading debate on legislation relating to the employment of women, young people and children, Amarasuriya said compulsory education up to age 16 had been established by law, but retaining children in the school system remained a growing challenge.
She said children who leave school without completing 13 years of education could enter the workforce without adequate skills and qualifications, increasing their vulnerability to exploitation and other risks.
Amarasuriya said one of the objectives of education reforms introduced from 2026 was to create a safe and supportive learning environment that encourages children to remain in school.
The prime minister also outlined wider child protection measures, including Rs. 1.9 billion allocated in 2026 to improve primary school infrastructure and the rollout of C2 Centres to provide counselling and psychosocial support in schools.
She said child protection measures were also being strengthened in early childhood education, nutrition and school transportation.
Amarasuriya also urged parents and teachers to avoid placing excessive academic demands on children during the current school holidays, saying children need adequate time to rest and recuperate. (Newswire)
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