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| Sunday, 15 May 2005 |
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Junior Observer |  |
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Human-elephant conflict to be minimised Sri Lanka's elephants are expected to get a new lease of life, and the human-elephant conflict minimised, with the assistance of funds to be provided by the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The bank has pledged assistance worth Rs. 300 million for three elephant conservation projects of the Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWLC). The projects are the relocation of killer elephants, relocation of young elephants in protected areas and the construction of electric fences. The creation of new grasslands and the construction of tanks (wewas) in protected areas to provide water for the wild animals in parks are other projects to be carried out with ADB funds. The DWLC recently started erecting an electric fence at Migalawa. This will be extended to cover the Kahalla-Pallekele reserve. The second phase of this project, covering a 45 kilometre area enclosing the Kahalla-Pallekele reserve, is expected to be completed by the end of this year. The work will then be extended to the Wilpattu National Park. Statistics released by the Wildlife Conservation Department show that around 100-150 elephant deaths and around 25-30 human deaths occur annually in the Wayamba Province, due to the human-elephant conflict. Yapahuwa, Galgamuwa and Nikaweratiya, which belong to the Kurunegala District, are the worst affected areas. ************ World Telecommunication Day on May 17 : Narrowing the digital divide
As we celebrate World Telecommunication Day on May 17, it is fitting to think about the contribution made by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the UN agency responsible for co-ordinating global communications. This year, it will be 140 years since the ITU began, in 1865. From the birth of the telegraph, through the radio and television broadcasting to satellite communications and the Internet,the ITU's work has helped harness the power of science and technology to fulfil a basic human need for communication. Although massive developments have been made in the sector, all people don't have access to the social and economic benefits that telecommunications create. A big gap exists between those who have virtually unlimited access to information technologies and services, and those who have very limited or no access at all. This 'digital divide' was first identified by the ITU in 1985, in its Maitland Report, known as the 'Missing Link'. Since then, it has been working to close this gap and bring the benefits of information and communication technology (ICT) to all. ITU's first World Summit on the Information Society was held in 2003 in Geneva, Switzerland. During its first phase, 175 countries endorsed a Declaration of Principles and Plan of Action that promoted the idea of universal and affordable access to ICTs. The second phase, to be held this November in Tunis, will measure the progress made in fulfilling the objectives of the first phase and will call on all partners to transform the willingness expressed at the first phase into long-term commitments. The theme for this phase will be 'Creating an Equitable Information Society: Time for Action'. ************* Focus on Maths, Science and IT The Ministry of Education, in its drive to improve the standard of Maths, Science and IT among schoolchildren, is launching special programmes to stress the importance of these subjects. The special programme to improve Maths was started in late 2004, and the teaching and learning of the subject is being improved throughout the island, the Ministry said. The new programme highlights the problem-based approach, competency and skill-based learning through a child-centred approach. As extensions of the programme, a special practice test for the GCE Ordinary Level examination has already been organised by the Examination Department while the School Based Assessment programme is being strengthened. The target is to improve the pass rate in Maths to 60 per cent at the GCE O/L examination this December. Science and IT labs have been constructed, or refurbished and renovated since 2004. Vacancies for teachers have also been identified and are being filled. Maths, Science and IT are taught in the English medium for Grades six to nine. From next year, English medium will be an option for four subjects including Maths, Science and IT. IT for A/Level and O/Level students has been introduced as curricular subjects in 2005-2006. The Ministry has recognised the importance of these subjects in further education, in seeking employment upon leaving school or university and in being competitive among peers both local or foreign; hence the emphasis on the sector. ************ Daham Pasal students to get free uniforms The Government has decided to provide all Daham Pasal students, numbering around two million, with free uniforms from next year. Under this scheme, all girls attending Daham Pasalas will get material for a 'lama saree' while boys will get material for a national dress. At a cost per child of nearly Rs. 500, the programme is estimated to cost almost Rs. 1100 million. This is part of an accelerated programme to uplift the Daham Pasal system to be launched soon, under the initiative of President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, under the Government's theme of building a disciplined and righteous society. |
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Telecommunication has become such an integral part of modern life that
we don't think twice when we lift up the phone and dial a friend. It has
brought the world much closer, enabling us to remain in contact with
friends and loved ones who may be continents away. 
