Japan funded new school re-functions

A felicitation ceremony organised by the Ministry of Education and the students of the new Kudawella Jayawickrama School in Hambantota district constructed with Japanese funds in appreciation of the Japanese Government was held recently.

The Government of Japan provided approximately Rs. 75 million for the construction of this school. The Japan International Co-operation Agency (JICA) assisted in the designing of the school, while the Japan International Co-operation Systems (JICS) supervised the construction and related work.

Before the tsunami 2004, the Kudawella Jayawickrema School was located along the coastal line, and therefore it was badly damaged by the disaster.

In order to meet the contingency needs of the Ministry of Education to provide the students a suitable place where they can study again, the Japanese government decided to support the construction of this school. The construction work has already been completed and the classes have commenced with 370 students on the roll in January 2007. The new school is equipped with all facilities and amenities required for the benefit of the students as well as for the teaching staff.

It includes three-storied buildings consisting of thirteen ordinary classrooms and eight special classrooms such as a science room, language room, music room, library etc, an assembly hall, a gymnasium and a playground.

Immediately after the tsunami, the Government of Japan provided US$ 80 million under the Japanese Non-Project Grant Aid for relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction of a wide range of tsunami affected sectors. Under this grant assistance, approximately US$ 13 million was allocated for the reconstruction of thirteen tsunami affected schools in Hambantota, Galle, Kalutara, Ampara and Batticaloa districts.

Mr. Nobuaki Ito, Deputy Head of Mission of the Embassy of Japan, Sam Sooriyapatabendi, Zonal Director of Education in Tangalle and A.H. Gunasena Principal of Kudawella Jayawickrema School were present at the ceremony.