Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa called on the government to present a white paper on proposed education reforms, stating that a PowerPoint presentation delivered by the Prime Minister was insufficient for a meaningful debate.
The request came after the Parliament’s Business Committee decided not to proceed with the scheduled debate on the Amendments to the Electricity Act, opting instead to focus on the education reform proposals.
“Holding a debate without a white paper is ineffective,” Premadasa said. “Yesterday, the Prime Minister presented the reforms through a PowerPoint presentation, which is not appropriate. Such a method disrespects the country’s education sector and its free education system,” he said.
He urged the government to submit a formal discussion document ahead of the debate, which is expected to take place tomorrow. Premadasa also requested the debate be extended over three days to allow ample time for contributions from both government and opposition members.
In response, Leader of the House Bimal Rathnayake said the debate was intended to inform the public about the proposed reforms.
“As there is no final document yet, a broad public discussion is essential,” Rathnayake said. “The final draft of the reforms can only be completed following comprehensive debate and engagement.”
“White papers originated as a tradition in the British Parliament during a time when printing was not available,” he said. “Today, we are in the digital era, where information can be shared through PowerPoint presentations or other technological means. A PowerPoint presentation is not an insult,” he added. (Islandnews)
