President to address UNESCO Conference in France

PRESIDENT Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga is scheduled to address the 33rd session of the UNESCO General Conference in Paris today.

President Kumaratunga is one of the two World Leaders invited to attend this year's conference. The other is President of the Republic of Ghana John Agyekum Kufuor, a press release from the President's Office said

'Education for All' is the overall theme of this year's Conference. Representatives of Member States will decide on UNESCO's programme and budget in education for the two coming years. Special attention is to be given to three key educational challenges: teacher training, literacy and HIV/AIDS prevention education.

The General Conference meets every two years and is attended by Member States and Associate Members.

President Kumaratunga is scheduled hold talks with her French counterpart Jacques Chirac at the Elysee Palace during her stay. The President will also meet other French leaders.

Minister Ratnasiri Wickremenayake will act as Minister of Defence till the President returns. Ministers Mangala Samaraweera and Dinesh Gunawardane will act as Minister of School Education and Higher Education.

Deputy Ministers Dilan Perera and Lasatha Alagiyawanne will act as the Ministers of Media and Transport while Deputy Minister D. M. Dassanayake will act as Minister of Relief, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction.