Extra classes in schools affected by deluge

by Ananda KANNANGARA

The Education Ministry has focused special attention on conducting additional classes for over 200,000 schoolchildren whose educational activities were badly disrupted due to heavy rains that occurred during the past two weeks.

According to Disaster Management Centre (DMC) statistics, the recent rains had affected nearly 13 districts including Ampara, Batticaloa, Anuradhapura, Moneragala, Trincomalee and Polonnaruwa in the Eastern, Central and North Central Provinces.

Statistics also revealed that over one million people had sought refuge in temples and at welfare centres which were temporarily established in the areas.

Education Minister Bandula Gunawardana told the Junior Observer that Provincial Education authorities of several national schools and provincial schools in rain affected areas were given authority to close down their schools during the rainy period.

“I have directed all responsible officials in national schools and also Provincial Education Ministers to submit a detailed report on schools that were temporarily closed down during this period,”.

He said as soon as he received the details of such schools, a special plan will be initiated to help students to carry out their educational activities under a better environment.

He said some school buildings too were badly damaged due to heavy winds and rains and they too will be repaired as early as possible before commencing school sessions.

NEWS IN BRIEF

Four new entry points into the country

President Mahinda Rajapaksa has designated four new entry points into the country in addition to the existing list of three airports and four sea points. The newly opened harbour besides Norochcholai and Kankasanthurai in Jaffna and Oluvil in Ampara district are the new additions. The three existing airports are at Colombo, Ratmalana and Palali while the sea entry points are at Colombo, Galle, Trincomalee and Talaimannar.

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Trinco-Muttur ferry service resumes

The ferry service between Trincomalee and Muttur which was not in operation for over five months resumed operations early January. The ferry service was suspended when the ship Seruvilla II developed technical defects.

The residents of several areas in the Eastern Province who were compelled to make long journeys lasting more than three hours can now make the journey in about 40 minutes.

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New access to Yala

Steps are under way to open a new access road to Yala National Park through Maligawila prior to the Deyata Kurula Exhibition scheduled to be held in Buttala, Moneragala, in line with Independence Day celebration. The Wildlife Department officials have also made arrangements to hold night camps to enable Dayata Kirula participants to also enjoy a night at the Yala Park.

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Nutrition Council

A National Nutrition Council to focus on the nutrition levels of children and mothers was set up by President Mahinda Rajapaksa on a proposal made by the Minister of Health Maithripala Sirisena.The Council aims to implement the National Nutrition Programme in a more effective manner islandwide.