The Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Training, Nalaka Kaluwewa, has confirmed that no decision has been made to stop the printing of school textbooks.
He stated that textbooks for grades 2–5 and 7–11, which are not yet covered by the new education reforms, will continue to be provided in the same manner as before.
According to the new education reform, which comes into effect from January, printed textbooks will not be required for grades 1 and 6. Instead, simplified module materials, suitable for these grades, will be printed and distributed.
Nalaka Kaluwewa further clarified that there is no plan to halt the printing of teacher manuals, which will continue to be printed in accordance with the requirements of the new education reforms.
Preparations are currently underway for the printing of textbooks for grades 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11, as well as module materials for grades 1 and 6.
The Ministry plans to complete all printing by 15 November, with distribution to schools across the country scheduled to be completed before 31 December.