1,300 schools lack proper sanitation facilities
[March 04 2011]

<p>by Ananda Kannangara

<p>Ministry of Education is to provide sanitation facilities for schools as out of 9,500 public schools in the country, over 1,300 schools are lacking proper sanitation facilities.

<p>Minister Bandula Gunawardana said the Ministry was to improve health conditions of over 4.2 million school children as various diseases are spreading fast among children due to lack of proper sanitation in schools.

<p>The Minister said in some schools, where there were over 1,000 students, have only five toilets and the Ministry had ordered the principals and educational officers of those schools to provide them with adequate toilets.

<p>Minister Gunawardena said a special team would be deployed to inspect schools about sanitation facilities soon.

<p>He said in addition, school authorities should also keep a close tab on the cleanness of toilets regularly, as it will also help to stop spreading waterborne diseases.