Sri Lanka, Nov. 10 -- Education trade unions nationwide have joined forces against the reforms. The only unions not opposing the changes are those linked to a particular political party, ironically, the very organisations with decades-long records of blocking educational progress. The ministry's promises have not calmed the situation. Union leaders refuse to back down. "If the government keeps ignoring our concerns," one union leader warned, "we will bring together every teacher and principal across the country for a complete nationwide strike."

Strangely, the unions oppose changes that would help every child succeed. The new system removes the fear of failure and gives all students ways to reach higher education. This creates a relaxed ...