ECONOMYNEXT – Sri Lanka plans to allocate 237 billion rupees to the ministry of schooling for education-related capital and recurrent expenditure within the island’s 9 provinces, Schooling Minister Susil Premajayantha mentioned, forward of an upcoming price range presentation.
“The Cupboard of Ministers has already authorised the coverage framework for schooling reforms, which we are going to current in Parliament after sectoral parliamentary approval. This initiative goals to create a steady schooling coverage that may endure below totally different governments and ministers,” Premajayantha mentioned in an handle to journalists on Monday, November 6.
“It would drive reforms in 4 key areas, specializing in the transition from an exam-oriented system to extra diversified and inclusive classroom evaluation. The final word purpose is to offer high quality schooling to each college students and academics,” he mentioned.
Based on the minister, Sri Lanka’s subsequent tutorial 12 months will start on February 19, 2024 and the curriculum from first to eleventh 12 months will probably be accomplished inside the similar tutorial 12 months.
“Because of sure delays within the nation, the college 12 months began on March 27, 2023. We’ve got taken measures to keep away from such delays, making the beginning of the brand new college 12 months potential on February 19, 2024. Our purpose is to make sure full completion of the curriculum from Yr 1 to Yr 11 inside the similar tutorial 12 months, permitting us to conduct the 2025 college 12 months with out interruption.
“We’ve got additionally made preparations to conduct superior degree exams. Though there have been some skilled challenges, we’ve got managed to take care of examination schedules, making certain on-time exams. We’re additionally able to launch the outcomes of the Atypical Stage exams carried out within the third week of this month. Regardless of the continuing circumstances, we’re dedicated to managing time effectively and conducting the exams as scheduled,” he mentioned.
In the meantime, the Finance Ministry has authorised recruitments for 50 p.c of the vacancies, the minister mentioned, amid considerations over Sri Lanka’s tight capacity so as to add to the already bloated public sector.
“Now that the exams have been accomplished, we’re actively making ready for job interviews and recruitment. Approval has additionally been granted for 707 posts in instructor coaching and we’re engaged on their instant appointment. This step is geared toward coaching academics at 19 schools. Our purpose is to fill all instructing vacancies earlier than the upcoming college 12 months,” he mentioned.
Referring to alleged issues within the appointment of academics and growth officers as graduates, Premajayantha mentioned a “group of people” had gone to courtroom when authorities have been ready to make use of academics and growth officers as graduates. As a brief resolution, provincial-level vacancies for retired dignitaries and academics who’ve left the service have been authorised and recruitment is underway to satisfy the wants of all provinces, he mentioned.
“In an effort to strengthen schooling in particular topics, the Ministry of Finance has authorised the recruitment of 5,450 workers in science, arithmetic, English, international language and expertise topics. These recruitments are being carried out on the provincial degree and gazette notification for nationwide colleges is scheduled for publication this week.”
Based on the minister, there are additionally plans for the distribution of faculty books, college uniforms and meal provisions. The preparations and distribution of textbooks for the 12 months 2024 have been accomplished and 80 p.c of the work on college uniforms has been accomplished. Early subsequent 12 months, the federal government plans to offer meals to all schoolchildren, with the ambition to supply lunch to each schoolchild by 2030. A number of packages, in partnership with the World Meals Program, USAID and the non-public sector, are already underway. he mentioned.
Stressing that the federal government is dedicated to offering skilled coaching in abilities and expertise to college students at post-general and superior ranges, the minister mentioned chosen colleges will supply night lessons for a interval of 4 months, with an emphasis on steerage, English , data expertise or numerous different programs tailor-made to pupil preferences. (Colombo/07 November 2023)
learn extra
