Extended sessions at selected schools

by Ananda KANNANGARA

The extending of school sessions from 1.30 pm to 3.00 pm at selected schools in the country was highlighted by Education Minister Bandula Gunawardana at a meeting held at Ududumbara Maha Vidyalaya, Kandy last week.

Accordingly, the Education Department will extend the school sessions from 1.30 pm to 3.00 pm at selected schools with the consent of educationists in the country. Minister Gunawardana told the Sunday Observer that students in this globalised era have the thirst to acquire vast knowledge in the fields of Science, Mathematics, Commerce, English and Information Technology.

"As we are aware, a large number of employment opportunities are available in these fields. Therefore, it is our duty to help students gain a sound knowledge on these particular subjects even by extending school sessions," he said.

He said the new school session would enable children to study special subjects over a longer duration. This will help them improve their knowledge further as well as to find better employment opportunities.

The Minister called upon schoolteachers to extend their fullest co-operation towards the development of education in the country. This could be achieved by conducting more classes for such subjects.

"As the Education Minister, it is my responsibility to develop the education of 4.3 million schoolchildren. Therefore, I wish that teachers and parents will not oppose this proposed scheme of extended school sessions," he said.