The National Education Commission (NEC) has begun an extensive public consultation process with a view to formulating the future national education policy.

Chairman NEC R. P. Gunawardena said that policy formulation would be done after the widest possible consultation and in close collaboration with the Ministry of Human Resources Development, Education and Cultural Affairs. In this process the National Education Commission (NEC) is planning for the next cycle of education reforms in keeping with national needs and global trends. It is also the intention of the commission to ensure continuity of education policy, he said.

In general, public consultations in education policy are done once in a decade. The NEC held its last public hearings in 1992. As such the general public, organizations and institutions are requested to make maximum use of this rare opportunity.

Some of the major areas which require improvement and novel approaches are effective implementation of current reforms, school structure and organisation, curricula, teaching methods, evaluation schemes, role of English, use of IT in teaching-learning, teacher education, text books, status of private/international schools, school admission and university admission schemes.

Gunawardena said that novel and innovative approaches to upgrade our general education system would be given special attention by the commission. The main aim of this exercise would be to develop a most appropriate, modern and high quality education system which would provide the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed for our children to face the challenges of the new millennium.

"The NEC greatly appreciates the assistance and co-operation from the general public and organisations for the successful completion of this endeavour, which is of utmost national importance. The public is to forward its submissions to the Secretary, National Education Commission, 223C, Nawala Road, Narahenpita, Colombo 5 on or before 15th October 2002 by fax (01-808947) or by e-mail (secnec@slt.lk) Further details may be obtained by visiting our website: http://www.nec.gov.lk." he added.