Fillip for 1,000 schools soon

by Ananda KANNANGARA

The development of educational activities in over 1000 schools in urban, rural and remote areas will commence shortly, according to Minister of Education Bandula Gunawardena.

He was addressing teachers, parents and children at the annual prize-giving at Nugawela Madya Maha Vidyalaya. These selected schools would be developed to the maximum within the next few months.

The Minister said children in junior schools could enter these senior schools which are equipped with more facilities for higher studies,". This will help stop parents rushing to National Schools to admit their children.

The Minister also expects to upgrade educational in all junior schools.

He said many parents think the quality of education in National schools is higher than that of other schools and this is the main reason why they want to send their children to National Schools.

"This is a false impression as unlike in the past the education in National Schools and other schools are now very much improved. He recalled the service rendered by the Father of Free Education, Dr. C.W.W. Kannangara and said the present day children are lucky to have free education and are also free to develop their co-curricular activities.

He said he would visit all schools in the country during the coming months to look into the needs of children.

"The objective of this program is to provide laboratory equipment, Information Technology and English skills development centres, sports material and playground facilities, he said.