Crash program needed to uplift education - Thera

Chaminda PERERA

Naga Viharaya, Kotte Chief Incumbent Ven Maduluwawe Sobitha Thera yesterday stressed the importance of implementing a crash program to uplift education, particularly in the North and the East. He was of the view that a large number of students face discrimination due to schools being classified as popular and national schools.

Ven Sobitha Thera said children in the North and the East have been deprived of proper education for over 30 years and the Government should focus attention on the education of children in these provinces.

All students should be taught their second language in a proper manner to enhance reconciliation among communities. The Thera said the Tamil people have to wait for a number of months to obtain Birth Certificates.

He was making representation before the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission on behalf of the religious congregation yesterday.

The marks level required for Western province students to enter university should not apply to Northern region students. The Thera proposed to establish a Senate to solve the problems ahead of the country.

He added that politicians should not be appointed to this august assembly and it should be devoid of politics. He was of the opinion that this type of decision making body can address the country's problems.

The Thera also proposed a council consisting of members of all religions for each province to look into grievances of the people of all communities.

The Thera said the members to this council should be appointed by the Mahanayaka Theras of Asgiriya and Malwatta Chapters, the Archbishop and Hindu and Islamic leaders to ensure that it is totally free from politics.