Programme to set up primary, secondary schools

Priyanka KURUGALA

In another step to realise the Mahinda Chinthana Future Vision of making Sri Lanka the knowledge hub of South Asia in the near future, the government launched a programme to set up 5,000 primary schools and 10,000 secondary schools countrywide.

Realising the aspiration of every child to a good and sound education by utilising all resources is one of the main aims of this vision.

According to an Education Ministry report, selected schools will be provided human resources, physical, infrastructure facilities and financial aid.

Plans have also bee made to build an environmentally attractive school system.

Authorities have also planned to reduce the competition to enter city schools. Facilities will be provided to study at least three languages through these schools in the educational zone.

Priority will be given to develop moral education. The threat of closure of schools in difficult areas will be given full attention. Under this programme, teacher vacancies will be filled according to cadre requirements.

The recruitment of new teachers for science, maths and English will be carried out under this programme together with school - based teacher development programmes.

The school curriculum will focus on science, maths, information technology, English, aesthetics, sport, co-curricular activities, agriculture and technical education.

Selected schools will be earmarked for development. Steps will also be taken to eradicate malpractices in school admissions.