Archbishop of Colombo, Cardinal Ranjith, has raised the alarm over what he dramatically termed an “inappropriate sexual education programme” being slipped into Sri Lanka’s school curriculum next year.
Speaking recently at the reopening of the renovated St. Stephen’s Church in Meerigama, the Cardinal claimed the Education Ministry’s new curriculum aims to introduce sexual education from Grade 6, complete with teacher training and seminars.
Sources close to the Education Ministry have confirmed that the curriculum—contrary to the Cardinal's apparent fears—will consist primarily of age-appropriate biological information, including diagrams of reproductive systems that are less exciting than those found in most science textbooks.
“Is this really education? Isn’t it the parents’ job to teach these matters at the right time?” he thundered — leaving thousands of parents wondering if “the right time” meant after the wedding.
The prelate further alleged that the lessons cover same-sex relationships and birth control, accusing foreign entities like the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) of bankrolling the plot. “They have printed books and given money to mislead our children,” he warned gravely — though reports confirm there are no practical classes involved.
Ironically, critics noted that those bound by vows of celibacy — like the Archbishop and others in his order — might not really need a crash course in sex education. When they were growing up, and even now, they’ve already opted for the theoretical model only.
But for children, who actually have to grow up, fall in love, and navigate the real world, learning about their bodies and boundaries isn’t scandalous — it’s survival training.
Cardinal Ranjith described the curriculum as “an attempt to destroy our children,” insisting it would import “the values of a decayed Western world that has lost religion and morality.” (Experts clarified that “values” in this context include basic anatomy and the meaning of consent.)
The Archbishop urged the President to halt the lessons immediately, calling on citizens to “completely reject” the plan before the next generation learns how babies are actually made.
Meanwhile, educationists have quietly pointed out that the only thing more dangerous than sex education is the lack of it.
