The Director General of the National Institute of Education (NIE), Prof. Manjula Vithanapathirana, has decided to temporarily step down from her position. This decision comes pending the conclusion of an official inquiry into the controversial Grade 6 English module, which has sparked significant public concern.
The controversy arose in late December 2025 after it was discovered that a newly printed Grade 6 English language module contained a reference to an inappropriate website. The issue was initially brought to light by a social activist who noted that a typing error in the syllabus redirected students to a website featuring adult content, rather than the intended educational resource.
Following the verification of these claims, the Ministry of Education took immediate action. On 30 December 2025, the Ministry announced the suspension of the module’s distribution. Education Ministry Secretary Nalaka Kaluwewa subsequently lodged a formal complaint with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), requesting a comprehensive probe into the matter.
Officials have suggested the possibility of sabotage, with Secretary Kaluwewa stating to the media that an external party may have “conspiratorially inserted” the reference to undermine ongoing education reforms. He emphasised that the printed material was not the legally finalised version and that the ultimate responsibility lies with the Department of Education.
