One Word in a Grade 6 Book Caused A Controversy

COLOMBO (News 1st); A single reference in a Grade 6 English module has triggered a major controversy within Sri Lanka’s education sector, forcing the Government to take disciplinary action against senior officials at the National Institute of Education (NIE) and raising questions about oversight within the ongoing education reform programme.

The issue emerged after it was discovered that the Grade 6 English module contained the name of an inappropriate website, sparking public criticism as well as concerns from religious groups and education reform advocates. The incident quickly escalated into a national debate, placing pressure on authorities responsible for curriculum development.

Following an internal inquiry, the Ministry-appointed committee led by Ranjith Ariyaratne recommended immediate administrative action. Based on its initial report, the Deputy Director General of the NIE, Darshana Samarawira, was sent on compulsory leave.

Samarawira served as the Deputy Director General in charge of the Faculty of Languages and Social Sciences, under which the Grade 6 English module was developed.

In addition, two female officers from the NIE’s English Language Division were suspended in connection with the same incident.

The disciplinary measures were approved and executed by the Governing Board of the National Institute of Education.

How Did the Website Reference End Up in the Module?

The controversy revolves around a segment on page 47 of the Grade 6 English module, where the word “buddy” appears in a manner that, when combined with an additional segment, forms the name of a website that is inappropriate for children.

Sisira Rajapaksha, Co-Convener of the National Movement for Education Reforms, explained the origins of the issue:

“When we examine the English module, page 47 includes the word ‘buddy.’ With another part placed next to it, it unintentionally becomes a website name. However, this same word appears in the ICT textbook introduced under the 2015 reforms, presented in the same manner. In that context, it was never a website name.”

He noted that when the word “buddy” is searched online today, multiple websites appear, a development attributed to the evolution of the internet rather than to curriculum content decisions made in 2015.

Rajapaksha went on to highlight that the situation worsened after the website’s name was publicly mentioned:

“What made the situation more serious was that a certain religious clergy member went before the media and announced the name of the website to the entire country. After that, searches for the website spiked drastically.”

He added that this sudden surge in search interest intensified the controversy.