'Solution to Eastern Province Education problems'

Dehiwela-Mount Lavania Special Correspondent

A separate education ministry office will be established in Ampara, on a proposal approved by the cabinet at the request of Minister Ferial Ashraff.

Minister Ferial Ashraff gave these direction at the conference held at "Sethsiripaya" in connection with the Education problems in the Eastern Province.

North East Province Governor Tyrone Fernando, North East Education Secretary R. Thiyakalingam, Education Ministry Additional, Secretaries Thilainadaraja, S.S. Gunawardena, Eastern Education Ministry Director Sunil Kannangara, Provincial Directors, Ampara District. Zonal Directors and Housing Ministry Officials participated on this occasion.

Minister Ferial Ashraff said that 193 Sinhala medium volunteer teachers had been recently appointed to schools in the North East.

The committee which scrutinised the logbook entries, timetables, attendance registers and other related documents have observed that 74 teachers have been confirmed in their posts violating the selection criteria.

She has been made to understand that there had been malpractices in making the appointments. North East Governor will give necessary instructions to NEP Education Secretary to take immediate action to appoint the suitable candidates according to the selection criteria.

The Minister said in year 1994, Sinhala language trainee teachers were appointed to Tamil schools in the province. Tamil Language trainee teachers were appointed to Sinhala schools. Such teachers have not yet been confirmed.

Most of the schools in the Province have no permanent Principals. Senior teachers are serving on acting basis and hence necessary action has to be taken to make the principals permanent.

Minister said in-service Advisors have been serving on acting basis, and requested for permanency.

Another discussion to solve the North East Education problems will be held in Kalmunai Muslim Ladies College on May 13.