Competency in English language is essential for education reforms in the context of marching forward along with the technology and it is expected to take steps to use English language practically from grade one starting from next year, said The Minister of Education Dr. Susil Premajayantha. The minister pointed out that the proposals have been received to teach two subjects Mathematics and Science in English medium which are taught in Sinhala and Tamil at present from grade 6. Since many technical terms of these two subjects are related to English language, children can be familiar with them without much difficulty and there will not be an injustice for them. The minister further said that a separate program is being conducted at the moment to remove the shortage of teachers for Mathematics, Science and English in rural schools that affects negatively for backwardness of children in those schools and the university system, Educationists’ Service and the In-Service-Advisors also contribute to this effort.
The minister stated these views while participating in the English language promotional program “English is Simple” conducted jointly by the Ministry of Education and the National Savings Bank with the contribution of resources from the bank for the improvement of English language knowledge of the school children in this country. Under this English language development program, it is scheduled to provide activity handbooks and CDs prepared according to the school syllabuses based on competencies to the children in all secondary schools. The English language unit of the Ministry of Education has created these books with the participation of scholars in the education system facilitating the children to learn English engaging in practical activities with entertainment going out of the present framework. All the children in the country can acquire this English language knowledge by entering E-Thaksalawa web site of the ministry.
Teachers and students from 21 selected schools in the Western Province had come to this program held on 07.09.2022 at the auditorium of the ministry with the leadership of the Minister of Education and a group of officers including the Secretary of Education Mr. M.N. Ranasingha, the Director of English language unit Ms. Nimali Baduraliya and the Chairperson of the National Savings and Sri Lanka Savings Bank Ms. Keshala Jayawardana had joined in this occasion.
