More IT centres for rural schools

by Ananda Kannangara

The Education Ministry has paid special attention to the need to have science laboratories and Information Technology centres at certain rural schools in the country.

According to Education Ministry sources, a few rural schools in certain Provincial Council and Pradeshiya Sabha areas have to establish computer centres and provide equipment for science laboratories.

Education Minister Bandula Gunawardana told the Sunday Observer that a team of officials has already been deployed to supervise schools that need computer facilities and also equipment for science laboratories.

He said steps will be taken to provide computers and other equipment to science laboratories soon.

In addition, the Government recently recruited a large number of teachers for Information Technology for schools in urban and rural areas.

Minister Gunawardana also directed countrywide school principals to submit their proposals, so that the Education Department is ready to take action to establish computer centres and science laboratories in their schools.

Meanwhile, Science and Technology Minister Prof. Tissa Vitarana said `Vidatha Centres' have already been set up in schools to improve the knowledge of science and IT among schoolchildren.

He said his Ministry will continue to provide equipment to these centres in future to improve the IT education in the country.