Sri Lanka to Regulate Private Tuition Sector: New Legal Framework Following Ethics Controversy
By Lions Roar International Desk
COLOMBO, SRI LANKA (Monday, January 26, 2026) — The Sri Lankan government is preparing to introduce a formal legal framework to regulate the private tuition industry, following a wave of public criticism over the conduct and ethics of certain celebrity tutors.
The Ministry of Education is reportedly finalizing a proposal that will be submitted for Cabinet approval shortly, aiming to bring order to a sector that has operated with minimal oversight for decades.
⚖️ Cracking Down on “Unbecoming” Conduct
The move toward regulation was accelerated by recent high-profile incidents that sparked national outrage.
- Targeting Cultural Icons: The decision was heavily influenced by public insults directed at esteemed figures such as the late literary legend Martin Wickramasinghe. Authorities noted that such derogatory remarks made by influential tutors in public forums were harmful to the nation’s cultural fabric.
- Code of Ethics: The new rules will include strict conditions regarding the behavior and public speech of tutors, ensuring they do not act in a manner detrimental to the student community or traditional values.
- Professional Standards: Beyond conduct, the framework is expected to address teaching standards and the environment in which these private classes are conducted.
📋 Key Features of the Proposed Regulations
| Feature | Details |
| Mandatory Registration | Tutors may be required to register with a central educational body. |
| Conduct Clauses | Legal penalties for public defamatory statements or “indecent” behavior. |
| Cultural Protection | Rules to prevent the targeting of national icons and historical figures. |
| Implementation | To be presented for Cabinet approval “in the near future.” |
🎓 Protecting the Student Community
Government sources indicate that the primary goal is not to stifle the industry but to protect students from toxic environments. “While tuition is a vital part of our education system, it cannot be a platform for cultural degradation or personal attacks,” a ministry official noted.
The proposed system will likely include a Rule System with clear conditions that, if breached, could result in a tutor being banned from practicing or facing significant fines.
