Team to study education needs in Kilinochchi

by P.Krishnaswamy

Namal Rajapaksa MP will visit the Provincial Education Office in Killinochchi tomorrow together with a delegation of the Ministry of Education to conduct a detailed on-the-spot study of shortcomings that have deterred students in the area from pursuing their studies. The delegation will include senior officials of the Ministry and a team headed by a construction engineer to estimate the cost of damages to schools, renovation and reconstruction work to school buildings that need to be done, Secretary to the Ministry Sunil Sirisena told the Sunday Observer. He said they will use Air Force helicopters.

Immediately on assuming office as the Minister of Education, Bandula Gunawardene had ordered Ministry officials to estimate the number of displaced students who are not attending school due to want of textbooks, uniforms and other facilities including school buildings.

The Minister also ordered Ministry officials to provide the maximum number of textbooks and uniforms for distribution to the students, the Ministry Secretary said. A considerable number of text books and uniforms have already been despatched to the regional educational offices in Jaffna and the Ministry has learnt that there has been undue delays in the distribution system. Inquiries are now being conducted to ascertain the reasons for the delay, he said. All the needs of displaced students to continue their education will be provided before June 17.

School textbooks and uniforms will be distributed by Minister Bandula Gunawardene on June 17, Sirisena said. Computer rooms will be set up on June 2 at the Kilinochchi Hindu College following representations made on behalf of the students.