Education vital for secure future - Minister

Hemanthi Guruge

Education Minister Bandula Gunawardana said education is vital to ensure a secure future for an individual. The Minister was speaking at the foundation stone laying ceremony for the new building at Mahanama College on Wednesday.

Minister Gunawardana quoting the father of free education Dr C W W Kannangara, said, free education is really a strength to those who are not born privileged at birth. The policy of the Government is to secure the free education rights for all communities.

It is also proposed to introduce several changes in the education sector to suit the demand in the labour market, Minister added.

The Education Ministry has also taken steps to develop 1,000 secondary schools throughout the country for students to have a better education.

The program aims to reduce competition between the urban and popular schools.

A number of students are coming to Colombo from several areas such as Avissawella, Kaduwela, Homagama and Ratmalana to attend City schools.

The problem will be solved after developing the infrastructure facilities of these schools such as libraries, laboratories etc.

A model National School in Homagama opened last month that operates from 7.30 am to 3.30 pm. The model school provides additional study hours for student from Grade 6 to 13. On Monday Computer Science will be taught during the two additional hours and IT, English, Science, Maths, Aesthetics, French, German and Sports will be taught during the two additional hours on the other days of the week. All measures have been taken to grant university admission to 500 students of the Homagama Model School.