Payment for this time advanced level paper markers is increased.
A method for students to obtain exercise books of state printing corporation with a 35% discount through Sathosa outlets
– The Minister of Education Dr. Susil Premajayantha
The Minister of Education Dr. Susil Premajayantha says that the Chinese government that had given the consent earlier to provide 50% of the school uniform requirement as a donation, responding positively to hid request made after he became the minister of education, has increased that donation up to 70%. The minister stated this today at Sapugaskanda stores complex while attending the inaugural program for the distribution of school uniforms relevant to the 2023 study year under the government program of providing free uniforms to the school children.
The first part of this Chinese donation reached the country a one month ago and that stock can easily be distributed as they have been standardly packed according to the age of students, requirements and the colors. First of all, the uniforms will be distributed to the districts in the provinces such as North, East, North Central and Uva away from the capital city through the Department of Cooperative Development.
The remaining 30% of uniforms will be obtained from local suppliers and together with that quantity the balance uniforms reaching from China will be distributed among North Western, Central, Southern and Western provinces and the expectation of the government is to finish the distribution of uniforms before starting next school term. Twenty four varieties of uniforms necessary for government schools, government assisted schools and the Pirivenas are distributed in this way. The complete requirement of uniforms will be fulfilled without any shortage just like the previous years and the total expenditure for this purpose is 7.8 billion rupees including the Chinese donation of uniforms valued at 5.5 billion rupees. The minister reminded that all these are implemented by the government spending a huge amount of money while facing a lot of economic challenges. The minister also said that the people must understand the government taxes are spent for all these purposes.
Expressing further his ideas at this occasion the minister said that the amount of midday meal has been increased up to 51% coordinating with foreign and local organizations because the government really understand the economic difficulties of the people and the government is taking all possible measures to overcome this economic crisis taking the assistance of other countries.
Furthermore, the measures have been taken to provide school equipment to 30% of school children and to provide the exercise books of the state printing corporation with a 35% of discount through Sathosa outlets island wide, the minister said.
Expressing the views about marking the advanced level exam papers the minister said at this occasion that the advanced level exam that had long been delayed now has completed successfully and 19000 paper-markers are needed to scrutinize the answer scripts but only 15000 markers have applied or this. As this number is not sufficient a cabinet paper was submitted to increase the payment for paper marking and the approval has already been taken and the actions will be taken to issue the circular by next Monday. Therefore, he expects that the trade unions will direct the competent teachers for paper marking considering the children who sat for the advanced level exam, the minister said.
At this occasion the Minister Susil Premajayantha extended his thanks to the Chinese Ambassador Mr. Qi Zhenghong for the donation of the Chinese government and also for expressing the willingness to provide necessary aids to Sri Lanka in the future.
The State Minister of Education Aravind Kumar and other officials also participated in this occasion.
