The public forum titled “Sociological Perspectives on Education Reform in Sri Lanka,” jointly organized by the Association of Sri Lankan Sociologists and the Department of Sociology of the University of Kelaniya, was successfully held on February 26, 2026, at the Boardroom of the Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya.

The panel featured distinguished sociologists and education scholars including Professor Emeritus Siri Hettige from the University of Colombo, Senior Professor K. Karunathilake from the University of Kelaniya, and Senior Professor Marie Pererafrom the University of Colombo. Professor Anton Piyarathne from The Open University of Sri Lanka and Dr Bahirathi Rasanen from the University of Jaffna participated as guest speakers.

The discussion engaged deeply with several critical themes, including national identity and citizenship in education, the social impact of STEM reforms, modern literacies and civic values, public–private inequality in education, and inclusive pedagogy for diverse learners. These themes were examined from sociological perspectives, highlighting their implications for equity, social cohesion, and national development.

Academics, including professors, senior lecturers, and lecturers from the University of Colombo, University of Kelaniya, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, University of Jaffna, and the Open University of Sri Lanka took part in the forum.

The program underscored the urgent need for a comprehensive education reform agenda grounded in sociological insight and rational policy planning to advance Sri Lanka’s future development and social progress.