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| Wednesday, 31 March 2004 |
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| 'President dedicated to improve education' Trincomalee correspondent The children of the poor families should be provided with a sound education to make them good future citizens, said. Governor, North East Province Major General Asoka Jayawardhana. He was the chief guest at the Presidential Millennium scholarship awards ceremony held at the auditorium of St. Mary's College Trincomalee. Major General Jayawardhana said when he discussed the economic situation in the North East Province with the President she was particular about the sphere of education and the President decided to introduce a scholarship scheme for students in grades 6 to 11 in the North East Province to encourage them in their education. But the millennium scholarship award for Advanced Level students is to cover the entire country. Governor Jayawardhana requested the scholarship beneficiaries to make the best use of their scholarship awards to brighten their future. Secretary to the President W. J. S. Karunaratna who along with former MP Maitripala Sirisena representing the President said before 1994 while the President was the Chief Minister of the Western Provincial Council and after she became President of this country after 1994 she has dedicated herself to improve the education in this country. Between 1995 and beginning of 2004 President has provided assistance to the tune of Rs. 4,000m from the Presidents Fund to benefit the spheres of education, culture, health and for religious activities. Of this amount Rs. 2,500m was given out to save the lives of poor patients needing costly surgery. President has also helped improve places of religious worship without any discrimination. Karunaratne said many persons talked about improving the standard of education in this country but nothing was implemented. No one takes interest in helping the students in the rural areas except the President. He too requested the students to make the best use of their scholarship awards. Former MP for Polonnaruwa Maitripala Sirisena who also represented the President said though the President have to utilize much of her time in administrative matters, she takes special interest in the education of children. Maitripala Sirisena said according to the President about 10,000 students receive the millennium scholarship awards in the country. During the past two years government has reduced 30% of the education budget. Definitely next year more funds will be allocated for education. He said no one prefers war, everyone wants peace. People want to live in peace. President and the political parties associated with her party are dedicated to peace. It was President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga who placed the first step to bring peace. |
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