Extended School Time: Harini’s Defense – Is It the Right Move?

So, here’s the scoop. Sri Lanka’s Education Minister—and let’s not forget, Prime Minister—Harini Amarasuriya is making some serious waves with her recent decision to extend school hours by a whole 30 minutes. Yep, you heard that right. The school day is getting a little longer, and trust me, there’s a lot to unpack here.

Harini’s Big Move: Why Extend School Time?

Alright, here’s the deal. Harini’s all about making lessons more “complete.” Apparently, the 30-minute extension will give teachers the time they need to actually teach without rushing, while students will get more time to dive into group activities like research and presentations. Sounds good, right? Well, Harini says the goal is to stop the frantic pace of trying to squeeze everything into the clock.

But… here’s the catch. She was this close to extending the school day all the way to 4 PM—talk about a long day! But, after some back-and-forth, the decision was made to just add 30 minutes. Apparently, it was a matter of “logistics” like transport issues and, well, student burnout. A full-on marathon school day might’ve been a bit much.

What’s the Catch? More Time, More Pressure?

Okay, here’s where the tea gets a little hotter. Yes, more time sounds like a dream for students to soak in all that knowledge, but let’s talk about the practical stuff. Are we really prepared for kids to be at school longer? What about the extra transport costs or, y’know, the very real possibility of kids being totally wiped out by the time they get home?

Harini’s got a point though—schools need this extra time to do things like group projects and interactive learning. We all know the old school model wasn’t exactly cutting it when it comes to skills like collaboration or critical thinking. The world’s moving toward more hands-on learning, so adding time for those activities makes sense… but is the extended time enough to actually make a difference?

What Are Other Countries Doing?

Hold up, let’s not forget: Sri Lanka’s not the only country thinking about school hours right now. Here’s what’s happening around the world:

Finland:

The land of happy, well-rested students. Finland has long been known for its progressive approach to education, with shorter school days and plenty of breaks. Their philosophy? Less time in school but more focused, hands-on learning. Teachers have more flexibility to adapt their schedules, and students engage in activities that promote creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking. The focus is quality over quantity. No wonder Finland’s education system ranks among the best in the world.

Japan:

On the other end of the spectrum, Japan’s school days are longer, sometimes going well beyond 6 hours, but here’s the thing—they mix in time for extracurriculars and group learning. Japan’s focus on discipline, hard work, and community has led to long days, but there’s an emphasis on mental toughness, which has made it one of the top-performing educational systems globally. Still, with recent pushes for more balance, Japan is exploring reforms to reduce the pressure on students.

United States:

Meanwhile, in the U.S., there's a growing trend of extended school days—but not just to cram more subjects in. The idea is to provide more opportunities for social-emotional learning, art, and after-school programs that help kids grow beyond academics. Some districts are experimenting with year-round schools or longer after-school programs, particularly in underserved areas, where extended learning can help bridge educational gaps.

Singapore:

Singapore, another high-performer, has a longer school day too, but there’s a big emphasis on self-directed learning and student-led projects. Even with the long hours, the key is making the time spent meaningful. Singapore’s educational reforms include integrating more problem-solving tasks and group work to prepare students for real-world challenges, rather than just rote memorization.

Germany:

In Germany, students experience a unique structure with half-day schools for younger grades, but high schoolers often have longer days to accommodate more in-depth subjects and practical training. Vocational education is a huge part of the system, where students get a blend of academic education and hands-on apprenticeships. This mix ensures that students are ready for both the workforce and higher education.

The Final Word: Is This the Future of Learning?

So, what’s the verdict? Harini’s defense for extending school hours is all about giving teachers more time to teach and allowing students more opportunities for practical, collaborative activities. But is 30 minutes really going to do the trick? Well, when you look at what’s happening internationally, it’s clear that longer school days or more interactive learning aren’t just about squeezing in more material—they’re about creating a more holistic, balanced education. The global shift seems to be toward quality, not quantity, and giving students time to engage with their education in meaningful ways.

Sri Lanka’s move isn’t revolutionary by international standards, but it’s definitely a step in the right direction. While the reform might not be as radical as Finland’s compact, low-stress days, or as long as Japan’s rigorous hours, it aligns with global trends towards hands-on learning and student well-being.

The big question is: can Sri Lanka maintain this balance of academic rigor and student happiness, while ensuring the reform is truly effective? Only time will tell, but one thing’s for sure—the debate over school hours is just getting started.