'Science, IT, English should be promoted among students'

Nipuni WIMALAPALA

The percentage of students who follow science subjects for the Advanced Level examination has to be increased. Schoolchildren should be guided well to be competent in Information Technology and English that would enable them to be talented professionals, said Education Minister Bandula Gunawardena.

He was addressing the opening ceremony of the new library complex of Sirimavo Bandaranaike Vidyalaya, Colombo recently.

"Modern facilities should not be limited to schools in urban areas, but should be given to rural schools as well. Our effort is to minimize the gap in education," he stated.

"The world's first female Prime Minister, Sirimavo Bandaranaike established this school to produce talented and empowered women. Today, this is one of the best girls' schools in the country," the minister said.

Sirimavo Bandaranaike Vidyalaya Principal Pushpa Kalubovila said this is a remarkable moment in the history of the school. "We had this dream for a long time and today it has become a reality. We have received a library complex with all modern facilities. Students are lucky to have this and my request to them is to make maximum use of it," she added.

The new library complex consists of three stories with a senior library, junior library, large number of books, study room, IT unit, complete medical unit, multimedia unit, music room and art room.

Education Ministry Secretary H.M. Gunasekara, secretary to senior ministers, Mahinda Madihewa, former principals of the school Vimala Liyanage, R.M.C. Gunasekara and W.M.P. Silva participated.