Education system being revamped – Minister

Priyanka Kurugala

Plans are underway to make Sri Lanka a knowledge hub. Teachers and other human resources need to be developed to meet global requirements to achieve this target, Education Minister Bandula Gunawardana said.

The minister was speaking at the 21st All Ceylon School Drama Competition -2011 and awards ceremony at Tower Hall Foundation on April 3.

“The education system is also being revamped to suit present day needs. Around 2,000,000 Sri Lankans are working abroad. According to global requirements, education centred only on examinations is not of much use.

The government has drawn up plans to provide secondary education, emphasising five areas, which include, information technology, English and foreign languages, aesthetic studies, mathematics, science and sports,” he said.

The minister said it is important to develop a child’s aesthetic skills. “Children should be taught art, music, dancing and drama,” he said.

The All Ceylon School Drama Competition -2011 and awards ceremony was organised by the Culture and the Arts Ministry, Education Ministry and Tower Hall Foundation. Meepuraya staged by Loyela Vidyalaya, Kochchikade, won first place while the second place was won by Mahamaya Vidyalaya, Nugegoda for their presentation Jayadissa and third place was won by Wickramashila Vidyalaya, Giriulla which staged Aparajitha.

The best actress was K M Achini Muthumali of Dembarawewa National School.

Under the Nurthi section, the first place was won by Lakdas Maha Vidyalaya, Kurunegala for Nurthi Sri Wickrama, the second place was won by Bandarawela Hilloya Sri Sumangala Vidyalaya and the third place was won by Samurdradevi Balika Vidyalaya, Nugegoga.