Over 3,000 aesthetic studies teachers appointed

Ishara MUDUGAMUWA

The government has taken a number of measures to produce more students with aesthetic skills. For the first time in history, over 3,000 teachers were appointed to teach aesthetic studies in Sri Lanka as a solution for the teacher shortage in the country, said Education Minister Bandula Gunawardana.

He was participating in the ceremony to distribute digital pianos for schools which won all island and international art, dancing and music competitions. The ceremony was held at the Education Ministry premises.

The Education Ministry has given priority to uplift selected areas under the Mahinda Chinthana Future Vision, he said. Minister Gunawardane said that the ministry will give priority to uplift education on information and communication technology, English and foreign languages, mathematics, science, health, sports and aesthetic subjects such as dancing, music, art and drama.

The Education Ministry has taken measures to provide quality musical instruments to schools under a programme themed Best things should be given for children. A number of complains were received by the ministry regarding low quality instruments. According to a request made by Minister Gunawardane, 3,000 digital pianos and 30,000 green boards worth more than Rs one billion were donated by Booyoung Co. ltd of Korea.

“It was the biggest donation from a single institution we ever had. President Mahinda Rajapaksa supported us to import these pianos and green boards without taxes,” said the minister.