The 2025 Budget Report was presented to Parliament on February 17 by the Minister of Finance, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. This budget includes the largest allocation for education in the nation's history, underscoring the government's commitment to enhancing the education system.
The allocated funds for improving the standard of education in the country are as follows:
• It has been proposed to increase the meal allowance for preschool children from Rs. 60 to Rs. 100 per meal to enhance their nutritional intake, with an allocation of Rs. 1,000 million for this initiative.
• An allocation of Rs. 80 million has been proposed for the development of selected Early Childhood Development Centers.
• A sum of Rs. 100 million has been proposed to increase the existing allowance for preschool teachers by Rs. 1,000, in recognition of their dedicated service.
• Rs. 100 million has been allocated for improving school infrastructure, while an additional Rs. 135 million has been allocated to enhance the quality of schools.
• Rs. 500 million has been allocated to formulate a national plan to review and restructure the existing school system.
• The scholarship granted to low-income students who pass the Grade 5 Scholarship Examination will be increased from Rs. 750 to Rs. 1,500, with an allocation of Rs. 1,000 million.
• Rs. 200 million has been allocated to increase the nutritional supplement allowance for sports students from Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 10,000 and to raise the allowance for vocational education students from Rs. 4,000 to Rs. 5,000.
• An allocation of Rs. 4,600 million has been proposed to increase the Mahapola scholarship for university students from Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 7,500 and to raise the general university scholarship amount from Rs. 4,000 to Rs. 6,500.
• A Rs. 200 million allocation has been proposed to initiate a program that facilitates opportunities for talented students to pursue higher education at top-ranked international universities.
• To enhance library facilities, Rs. 100 million has been allocated for the development of libraries in Jaffna and other regions.
• An allocation of Rs. 500 million has been proposed to develop specialized sports schools in five provinces.
This significant investment underscores the government's commitment to elevating the education sector, ensuring greater access, quality, and opportunities for students across the country.
Prime Minister’s Media Division
