The field of education, tasked with building the morality and discipline of the future generation, is confirmed to be plummeting into a deep abyss under the current National People’s Power (JVP/NPP-NPP – Malimawa) government. The severe irresponsibility of including a link to a website with obscene and homosexual content in an English language learning module introduced for Grade 6 students has forced the Director General of the National Institute of Education (NIE), Professor Manjula Vithanapathirana, to resign from her post. This is widely accused not merely as a simple mistake, but as a consequence of the anarchy inherent in the NPP administration and the intense political pressure placed on officials.
Intimidation and ‘Sacrificing’ Officials
This incident clearly demonstrates that, under the government led by Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who speaks about democracy and “clean governance” on platforms, state officials live in constant fear and insecurity. The fact that the professor was compelled to submit her letter of resignation following “instructions” from the Prime Minister suggests that the Malimawa has created a culture of ‘sacrificing’ top academics and officials to conceal the government’s failings. Even academics with over 35 years of experience are not allowed to carry out their duties freely, as the rulers attempt to shirk responsibility for the government’s inefficiency onto them.
A Conspiracy to Destroy Morality Through Education?
A serious suspicion has arisen among parents regarding whether there is an organized attempt to destroy the country’s cultural morality by including links to such non-normative websites in an official curriculum handed to young children. The occurrence of such a grave “slip-up” within a responsible institution like the NIE suggests that the rulers’ attention is more focused on political witch-hunts than on public service. Critics argue that this government, which failed at disaster management even as the country was ravaged by Cyclone Ditwa, is now distorting the minds of children.
Fleeing Officials and a Nation Heading Towards Anarchy
In a Malimawa administration where power is maintained by snatching opposition councilors in the Colombo Municipal Council, and even Mayors in Minuwangoda are on the run, the state mechanism has completely collapsed. The people who voted for the Malimawa seeking “change” have now inherited an authoritarian rule that exposes their children to obscenity and suppresses officials who point out errors. Professor Manjula Vithanapathirana’s resignation marks yet another critical turning point that signifies the end of this anarchic governing system.
