School libraries to be upgraded

by Ananda KANNANGARA

The Education Ministry commended the efforts made by school authorities to strengthen school libraries with additional books on religion, languages, science, mathematics, commerce, history and Information Technology and pointed out that the government will take necessary measures to upgrade school libraries in the country shortly.

Referring to the 'National Reading Month' which concluded on October 31, Education Minister Bandula Gunawardana told the Junior Observer that schoolchildren must cultivate the habit of reading books on various subjects and also newspapers, magazines as well as various other journals to broaden their knowledge.

He emphasised this point also at the ceremony held to mark 'National Reading Month' at the National Library Services and Documentation Board auditorium last month with the participation of school principals, teachers, educationists and students.

The Minister quoting the popular saying 'Reading maketh a full man' urged schoolchildren who are the leaders of tomorrow to use their leisure in a meaningful manner by reading books as it will help in a great way to enhance their knowledge and fulfil their future endeavours.

He said although every school in the country has a library, many of them lack valuable books on main subjects such as English and Information Technology.The Minister assured that he would visit all school libraries and look into their needs and fulfil the aspirations of the children.

He said in addition to school libraries, other libraries which are used by the general public must also be improved. The Minister said that school libraries in the Northern Province too need to be developed as most of the schools in the Province are now open following the end of the ethnic conflict.

Upper Kotmale Hydro Power Plant:

Final day to view longest tunnel

by Rohana JAYALAL

Today is the final day for the public to view the newly built (Upper Kotmale) Tunnel which is the longest in the country. Achieving another milestone in the country's development drive, President Mahinda Rajapaksa recently opened the longest tunnel which would carry water from the Kotmale reservoir to the underground power station under the Upper Kotmale Hydro Power project. It will add another 150 MW of power to the national grid.

Seventy-five per cent of the work of the five phases of the Upper Kotmale, hydro power project is now complete.

The environment-friendly upper Kotmale project will be commissioned by 2011 and the electricity generated from the project will promote the much needed rapid development of the country.

It is targeted to generate 409 Gwh of electricity annually by this project and the installed capacity is 150 mw.

The dam will be constructed across the tributary of the Mahaweli River i.e. Kotmale Oya and the length of the dam is 180 metres and the height is 35.5 metres.

The longest underground tunnel is 12.9 km in length 5.2 m in diameters.

The underground power house has a 130 m long and 37m wide switch yard. The transmission line of the project is a 220 Kv line.

This project which is estimated to cost Rs. 44 billion is funded by the Government of Japan and the Ceylon Electricity Board. The construction of the project commenced in 2006.

The Japanese Government provided a loan of Japanese Yen 33,265 million while the CEB made an investment of Rs 5,931 million for the first phases of the project.As per the provisions in the National Environment Act of 1998 the Environment clearance was granted to Upper Kotmale Hydro Power Project.

Focus on inculcating values in children

by Ananda KANNANGARA

Education Minister Bandula Gunawardana recently focused attention on the importance of developing the moral values of schoolchildren from their younger days. He pointed out that the objective of introducing the new subject "The life competency" to the school curriculum was to improve the moral values of children. Speaking about the need of expanding the knowledge of English and Information Technology of students the Minister said that the government aims to improve these sectors further in the future.

The Minister told the Junior Observer that it is only through the moral and other values inculcated in children at school and also at home, that we could expect lasting peace amongst all communities.

He said that some children in today's society lack moral values due to the social changes, which has resulted in a lack of respect for their own religions and even their cultures.

Referring to some of the incidents that took place among children in certain schools recently,Minister Gunawardana said in addition to normal educational activities, schoolchildren must get involved in religious, cultural and social activities."Such group activities would immensely help children to mould their own lifestyle and show them how to live with other communities in unity settling matters amicably,"

Minister Gunawardana called upon all 4.2 million schoolchildren and other youngsters who will be the leaders in tomorrow's world, to live in unity irrespective of each other's caste, creed or religion.

"Some of our young children are highly immoral today, therefore they must not only focus their attention towards their education that they acquire from the school but also develop their social values which are also very important."

He also highlighted the importance of developing the education of children at this crucial moment and said that it is only through a broader education we can learn to live with fellow human beings in dignity, respect and freedom.