Sabaragamuwa to regulate private tuition classes

Draft legislation has been formulated to regulate private tuition classes in the Sabaragamuwa Province, Provincial Education Ministry Secretary Mahinda Weerasuriya said. He disclosed this at a progress review meeting of the Sabaragamuwa Provincial Council's "Sadachara Sampanna Sabaragamuwak Godanagamu" programme held at the Provincial Council auditorium in Ratnapura recently.

Sabaragamuwa Governor W J M Lokubandara and Chief Minister Maheepala Herath presided. The programme is aimed to discourage private tuition classes on Pasalosvaka Poya days and Sundays and encourage more and more students to attend daham pasalas on these days.

Ratnapura district Shasanarakshaka Bala Mandalaya Secretary Ven Kompitiye Suseela Nayaka Thera said that according to information he received private tuition classes were being conducted on the sly in Rakwana, Kahawatta, Embilipitiya and Ratnapura towns on Pasalosvaka Poya days and Sundays in violation of the ban imposed by the Provincial Council. Governor W J M Lokubandara said the support of the clergy, Police, Divisional Secretaries, Zonal Education Directors and Civil Society should be given to the Political authority to prevent the violation of this ban. He said some tuition classes are conducted in shoddy places unsuitable for any educational activities.

Therefore, all private tuition classes should be brought under a regulatory procedure, he said.