Archives

Party politics should be eliminated from schools - Dr. Kodithuwakku

Education, Human Resource Development and Cultural Affairs Minister Karunasena Kodithuwakku speaking at the annual prize giving at Wesley College noted with regret the breakdown of discipline in schools but promised remedial actions to reverse the present trend.

"It seems that clashes between schools, or different factions in schools and the use of students to achieve ulterior political ends are happening more frequently at present".

Dr. Kodithuwakku stressed the need to eliminate party politics in schools. He said quick remedial action was needed without in any way compromising the aims and principles of good education. He was the Chief Guest at the event.

The Minister said that the declining trends in discipline has a lot to do with the nature of the support extended to schools by the administrative departments of the zones, provinces and from the center, the leadership qualities of the principals of schools and the degree of involvement of parents in the school activities.

The absence of a reasonably effective mechanism to inculcate leadership qualities to the teachers and also those becoming principles appear to have also substantially contributed to the decline of discipline in the schools, he said. The lack of a comprehensive mastery over the affairs of the school by the principals, overcrowding of classrooms, the declining teacher-pupil relationship leading to alienation of pupils within the school itself and teachers being involved in running tuition houses are also some contributing factors, he said.

In concluding the Minister said that he wishes to reiterate that the government is fully sensitive to the current developments and committed to take appropriate action as necessary to counteract these unfortunate developments and to equip younger generation with value profiles in harmony.

News | Business | Features | Editorial | Security
Politics | World | Letters | Sports | Obituaries |

Produced by Lake House
Copyright 2001 The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd.
Comments and suggestions to :Web Manager