Investment in good education crucial, says Dutch Minister

Netherlands Minister of Education, Culture and Science Van der Hoeven was encouraged by initiatives undertaken in the framework of the bi-lateral co-operation between the Netherlands and Sri Lanka on tsunami reconstruction.

The Minister in Sri Lanka between January 8 and 10, visited the Sirisumana Junior School in Rathgama to support endeavours in education in tsunami affected areas. She was welcomed by teachers, schoolchildren, parents and local authorities. Hoeven stated: "Children are our future. Investment in good education and well-being of children are crucial."

The Sirisumana Junior School is a UNICEF school reconstruction project. Schoolchildren in the Netherlands contributed EUR 1.8 million to UNICEF funds to reconstruct schools for tsunami affected children in Sri Lanka and Indonesia. This was initiated by Z@ppelin TV, a Dutch broadcasting channel for primary schools. Z@ppelin TV accompanied the Minister during her trip.

The Minister also visited the Fort of Galle, the VOC warehouse and the Dutch Reformed Church. She was impressed with the conservation work of the Church co-ordinated by the Mutual Heritage Centre in Colombo.

The Minister stressed the link between cultural heritage activities and economic endeavours in this area.

She announced the contribution of the Netherlands to the implementation of the economic plan for the Galle Fort for the conservation of Netherlands-Sri Lankan mutual cultural heritage.

The Minister met Education Minister Susil Premajayantha, Southern Province Governor Kingsely T. Wickremaratne, UNICEF, local authorities, national and international NGOs, teachers, schoolchildren and parents.