Steps are being taken to introduce a new system requiring teachers and other education professionals to undergo mandatory registration, professional licensing and quality assurance.
Education Ministry Secretary Nalaka Kaluwewa told the Sunday Observer that, following Cabinet approval, the Legal Draftsman had been instructed to prepare the draft legislation required to establish an Education Council.
He said the drafting process has now been accelerated.
“The proposed Education Council has now reached the legislative drafting stage,” the Secretary said, adding that the Government wants to establish the institution “as soon as possible.”
The move is based on the recommendations of a committee headed by Senior Professor O.G. Dayaratne, along with subsequent reviews carried out thereafter.
Prime Minister and Education Minister Harini Amarasuriya has proposed establishing the council with the aim of strengthening standards and quality within Sri Lanka’s general education sector.
The proposed Education Council will regulate teachers, principals, teacher advisors, teacher educators and education administrators.
Its key functions will include standardisation, registration, professional licensing, quality assurance and accreditation.
A professional rating system is also planned to support and encourage the continuous professional development of teachers.
Education Ministry Secretary Nalaka Kaluwewa further stated that the new framework, aimed at maintaining and promoting high standards across the education sector, will also be extended to private educational institutions.
