NEW DELHI: Sri Lankan Member of Parliament Harshana Rajakaruna on Thursday underlined the need to protect children in the digital learning environment while preserving the legacy of free public education, speaking during a session on the future of education at the NXT Summit 2026 in New Delhi.
Addressing delegates on Day 1 of the summit at Bharat Mandapam, Rajakaruna said education remains the most critical investment for the future of any nation. He recalled Sri Lanka’s long-standing commitment to universal free education, initiated more than 80 years ago by education reformer C.W.W. Kannangara, whose vision ensured that access to learning became a right rather than a privilege for the wealthy.
Rajakaruna said the model helped generations of Sri Lankans from diverse backgrounds become professionals and leaders, but stressed that the concept of safeguarding education must evolve with changing times.
He noted that several Indian states have demonstrated how governments can strengthen public education systems through innovation and policy focus. Citing examples such as Kerala’s high-performing public schools, reforms in Delhi’s government schools, and technology-driven monitoring systems in Karnataka, he said prioritizing education can significantly accelerate national progress.
However, Rajakaruna warned that the shift towards digital learning platforms has introduced new risks for children. While the internet has expanded access to knowledge, it has also exposed young users to online harassment, harmful content and cyberbullying.
Highlighting legislative efforts in Sri Lanka, he said he has proposed amendments to the country’s Online Safety Act aimed at strengthening protections for children in digital spaces. The proposal includes mandatory age verification on social media platforms, parental consent requirements for minors joining certain platforms, and stricter accountability for technology companies to remove harmful content and address online abuse.
“Our responsibility is not only to create modern classrooms but also to ensure that the digital world where children learn is safe,” he said.
Rajakaruna also emphasized that education cannot flourish in an unstable world, urging global leaders to prioritise peace and cooperation amid growing geopolitical tensions. Quoting Lord Buddha, he said lasting peace can only be achieved through compassion and cooperation, adding that without stability and peace, even the best education systems would struggle to secure the future of coming generations.