The Deputy Director General of the National Institute of Education (NIE), Darshana Samaraweera, has been sent on compulsory leave in connection with the controversy surrounding the Grade 6 English language module.
In addition, two other NIE officials have been suspended pending investigations into the incident.
Earlier, the Director General of the NIE, Prof. Manjula Vithanapathirana, stepped down from her post until the completion of the inquiry related to the controversial module.
The Ministry of Education also announced the suspension of distribution of a newly printed Grade 6 English textbook after it was confirmed that the material contained a reference to an inappropriate website. According to the Ministry, an investigation was launched following a complaint that the name of an unsuitable website had been included in the module, which had already been printed by the NIE.
Meanwhile, Secretary to the Ministry of Education, Nalaka Kaluwewe, has lodged a formal complaint with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) as investigations continue.
Against this backdrop, the government last week decided to defer the implementation of proposed education reforms related to Grade 6 until 2027. Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said the decision was taken at the weekly Cabinet meeting held under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
The Minister explained that, in view of the issues surrounding the Grade 6 English module and several other concerns, the government opted not to proceed with the proposed reforms for Grade 6 students this year.
Dr. Jayatissa further stated that, based on the findings of investigations conducted by the CID and the Ministry of Education, the Academic Affairs Board of the NIE will take disciplinary action against the officials responsible for the incident.
