Schools development programme in Padaviya launched

Nimal Wijesinghe - Anuradhapura Additional District group correspondent

A schools development programme is being launched in once war- battered Padaviya division in the Anuradhapura district.

The Education Ministry is assisted by the Economic Development Ministry and the Women's Affairs and Child Development Ministry by providing financial patronage. Women's Affairs and Child Development Minister Tissa Karaliyedda inaugurated the development work of Ratmale, Balayawewa and Koonketiyawa primary schools recently, to achieve knowledge centered development goals of the Mahinda Chinthanaya .

The Economic Development Ministry granted funds amounted to Rs 1.5 million to enhance physical resources such as school buildings, playgrounds and teachers quarters. At the inauguration ceremony at Ratmale primary school, Minister Tissa Karalliyedda said under the programme, D-10 and track-B primary schools Alikimbulagala and Buddhangala primary schools were developed at Rs two millions in 2012.

He said 141 primary schools located in the Anuradhapura district are chosen by the government to be upgraded by granting a package of educational facilities. There are 5,000 such schools islandwide.

"The children in Padaviya who were made to hide in the jungles in the night in fear of the LTTE, did not have proper educational facilities. They are now rejoicing the freedom for education now enjoyed," he said.