What happens in a classroom before Grade One can shape a child’s entire learning journey.
That is the message delivered by Prime Minister and Education Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, who said preschool education remains the most important stage in preparing children for future learning.
She made the remarks on Friday, June 5th, during a certificate awarding ceremony for graduates of the 2023/2024 Preschool Teacher Training Diploma Programme at the Kurunegala Provincial Council Auditorium.
The programme was conducted by the North Western Preschool Teacher Training College and organised jointly by the Early Childhood Education Development Authority and the North Western Provincial Council.
A Common Direction for Preschools
According to the Prime Minister, authorities are now working on a long-term plan to improve standards in early childhood education.
“We are planning to establish stability in early childhood education over the next few years. In order to achieve this, we are working in collaboration with the National Education Commission, the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs, and the Ministry of Education to develop policies, standards for teacher training, and the regulatory mechanisms required for effective monitoring and implementation.
We are also making arrangements to commence preschool teacher training programmes this year. Through these efforts, we expect to introduce a common curriculum for preschools across the country by 2027. It is equally important to create a proper understanding within society about the purpose and value of preschool education.”
The Prime Minister also stressed the need for stronger supervision and monitoring of preschool programmes across all provinces.
Beyond Reading and Writing
She said preschool education should not focus on academic pressure at an early age.
“The primary objective of preschool education is to prepare children for their future primary education. Therefore, preschool education should focus on developing essential skills such as motor abilities and other age-appropriate competencies.
As parents and adults, it is our responsibility to ensure the path for children to develop social skills and knowledge in ways that are suitable for their age, without placing unnecessary burdens on them. As preschool teachers, you play a significant role in communicating to society what we truly expect from early childhood education.”
The planned curriculum reforms are expected to create a more consistent approach to preschool education while strengthening teacher training and quality standards.
Last modified: June 6, 2026
