Book, stationery purchase issue cause for school dropouts - WDJ

Ridma DISSANAYAKE

Around 35 percent of the total number of students leave schools annually as they are unable to buy books and stationery, Public Administration and Home Affairs Minister W D J Seneviratne said.

"Surveys revealed that most students who leave school have an anger towards the society and commit murders, robberies and rape. Theses students alone cannot be blamed for these issues, but parents and guardians too should take the responsibility," he said.

The minister said measures should be taken to grant equal facilities and privileges for students islandwide to experience the benefits of free education system introduced by C W W Kannangara.

He said there is a tendency in rural areas for students to leave school after grades five and six. "The main reason for this issue is they are unable to bear the high price of books and stationery," Seneviratne said.

The minister was addressing a special ceremony at Dimbulwala Vidyalaya, Ratnapura where he distributed books and stationery among students.