Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, who is also the Minister of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education, emphasized the importance of establishing a unified education system for all children in the country under a common examination framework. She stated that education is a priority for the government and plays an important role in driving the nation’s progress.

Speaking at a meeting with provincial education heads at Temple Trees on January 2, the Prime Minister outlined the government’s vision for a transformative era.

She remarked:

“Education is a very sensitive topic. When implementing such a transformation, we must act with agreement and understanding to avoid potential crises. While there may be diverse needs across provinces, we believe that there cannot be significant contradictions in policies. Decisions at the policy level must align with national-level objectives.”

The Prime Minister stressed that education is central to shaping the human resources necessary for the country’s renaissance. She also called for a comprehensive approach to address challenges in the sector, including the need for professional teacher training programs, addressing staff shortages in the Educational Administrative Service, and enhancing nutrition programs for children.

Key stakeholders present at the meeting included Deputy Minister of Education Dr. Madura Seneviratne, Secretary to the Prime Minister Pradeep Saputhanthree, Secretary to the Ministry of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education, Nalaka Kaluwewa, Provincial Chief Secretaries, Provincial Education Secretaries, Provincial Education Directors, and other officials.

[Prime Minister’s Media Division]

By Hemantha Randunu

Amajor reshuffle of senior officers is on the cards in the Police Department and some high rankers are to be transferred, according to sources.

The changes are expected to affect Senior Deputy Inspectors General (SDIGs), Deputy Inspectors General (DIGs), and several senior superintendents of police across various divisions.

According to sources, SDIGs responsible for administrative regions, including the Western, North Western, Eastern, Southern, Uva, and Sabaragamuwa Provinces, are among those to be transferred.

In addition, DIGs in charge of districts and senior officers managing divisional headquarters are also expected to be reassigned.

Sources said the transfers were aimed at strengthening specialised police units. Experienced and skilled officers would be assigned new roles in units combating organised crimes to enhance their efficient.

The E-Traffic app, introduced by the Sri Lankan police on Wednesday (01), would be available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store from next week, according to a police spokesperson’s announcement on Friday (03).

Speaking at a press conference in Colombo, Police Spokesperson SSP K.B. Manathunga stated that the app had been designed in consultation with leading IT and cyber security experts. He assured the public that there is no cause for concern regarding the app’s safety.

When questioned by journalists about the recent hacking of the police’s social media accounts, the SSP said investigations are still ongoing. He clarified that only the social media accounts had been compromised and that the police’s official website remained unaffected. The cyberattack, he noted, involved foreign operatives targeting multiple entities and was not an isolated incident against the Sri Lankan police, with similar reports emerging from India.

“Our cyber security officers are professionals, and we have also sought advice from the best experts while developing the E-Traffic app. Additionally, users of the app are not required to provide sensitive information,” he explained.

The app is a mobile platform that allows citizens to report traffic violations, criminal activities, and environmental damage. It forms part of the police’s initiative to involve public participation in creating a cleaner and safer Sri Lanka. (RK)