The current government has taken historically significant steps to reform the preschool education system in Sri Lanka and bring it under a single, standardized framework. Hon. Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya is giving special attention to this initiative. Once this program is fully implemented, many existing shortcomings related to preschools will be resolved, stated the Hon. Governor of the Northern Province, N. Vethanayahan.
He made these remarks while participating as the Chief Guest and delivering the keynote address at the ceremonial opening of the new building of the Ambal Preschool, located on Puthu Veethi, Karainagar, which was held in a grand manner this morning – on Sunday 25 January 2026 at 9.00 a.m.
He further stated:
Preschool education plays a vital role in the development of a child’s personality and serves as the foundation for a better future society. Parents should enroll their children not merely in places that teach academic subjects, but in institutions that instill good habits and values. The virtues children develop at a young age are what guide them to become exemplary members of society.
In Sri Lanka, preschools follow diverse teaching methods. To address this, the government has taken steps to introduce a structured and unified curriculum. I am aware that the allowances provided to preschool teachers by the Northern Provincial Council are insufficient. Although it may not be possible to increase them immediately, these issues will be resolved in the future when the government brings this sector under a permanent institutional framework.
This preschool, which was established in 1970, has today been constructed into a magnificent building with the participation of the community. Development initiatives carried out with public contribution always remain sustainable. In a historically significant area such as Karainagar, the establishment of this modern facility is a blessing for the students. Steps will be taken to meet the remaining needs of the preschool through provincial council budgetary allocations, he said.
The event was organized by the Pillaiyar Community Centre and the Ambal Preschool administration, and was held under the chairmanship of the Community Centre President, Mr. N. Balakrishnan.
Following a traditional musical welcome for the guests, the name plaque of the new building was unveiled jointly by the Honorable Governor of the Northern Province and the Jaffna District Secretary. This was followed by the ceremonial cutting of the ribbon to officially declare the building open.
Cultural performances such as a welcome dance by the students, Pillaiyar dance, and Gummi dance greatly captivated those in attendance.
The event was attended as a Special Guest by the Jaffna District Secretary, M. Pradeepan, and as Guests of Honour by the Karainagar Divisional Secretary, Mrs. Ranjana Navaratnam; the Islands Zone Director of Education, Thirugnanasampanthapillai Gnanasundran; the Hon. Chairman of the Karainagar Pradeshiya Sabha, Mr. Krishnan Govintharajan; the Assistant Director of Education (Preschools) of the Islands Zone, Mr. Sivasubramaniam Bavanandan; and retired principal Mr. S. K. Sadasivam.
In addition, parents, students, well-wishers, and members of the local community also participated in the event.
It is noteworthy that this preschool building was constructed with contributions amounting to Rs. 14.2 million from 107 donors.
