News
‘2021 challenging year, but govt. confident’
By Shamindra Ferdinando
SLPP Chairman and Education Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris yesterday (1) said the government would surmount daunting challenges faced by the country in the New Year.
Prof. Peiris acknowledged that 2021 was going to be tough, but the leadership that had brought nearly three decades long war to an end in 2009 could successfully face new challenges.
The minister said so at the inauguration of a new building project at Mattegoda for the Engineering Faculty of the Sri Jayewardenepura University. The project is estimated to cost Rs. 3,624.96 mn.
Commenting on ongoing efforts to streamline the education sector, the one-time External Affairs Minister said that the government would consult all stakeholders, including the student community as regards the proposed reforms.
Prof. Peiris also addressed the Education Ministry staff yesterday, the first working day where he appreciated their support during an extremely difficult year. The Education Minister said that they went beyond duty to ensure the functioning of the system as the country struggled with rampaging corona pandemic.
Prof. Peiris said that there were two ways to tackle a challenge. The minister said: “We can conveniently refrain from taking tangible measures to address the problem. Continuously delaying a decision on a contentious issue is one way of handling it. Or, we can deal with the issue at hand by taking appropriate measures.”
The top legal academic pointed out that the decision to conduct Year 5 Scholarship examination as well as the GCE Advanced Level in last Nov/Dec 2020 proved challenges could be surmounted.
Prof. Peiris said that the government was determined to go ahead with plans in spite of difficulties. The Education sector couldn’t be neglected during the current difficult period.
News
Financial allocations for the development of infrastructure in provincial schools have been provided to all provinces – PM
Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya stated that the necessary financial allocations for the development of infrastructure in provincial schools have been provided to all provinces. She emphasized that these funds must be utilized effectively for school development and requested that relevant authorities submit proposals to address existing shortcomings in school infrastructure.
The Prime Minister made these remarks during a cordial meeting with Muslim women in the Wellawaya area on 1st of March.
Subsequently, the Prime Minister met with the Chief Sanghanayake of the Uva Wellassa region and the Chief Incumbent of Yudaganawa Rajamaha Viharaya, Venerable Rajakeeya Panditha Most Venerable Galtemwatte Nandarathana Nayaka Thero, and briefed him on the current progress of the new education reforms.
She further stated that, while ensuring due recognition for vocational education, steps are being taken to develop 50 vocational training centers equipped with modern courses, covering all 25 districts of the country. She also noted that new education reforms will be introduced for Grade 6 starting in 2027, and that the printing of new textbooks will be entrusted to the Educational Publications Department of the Ministry of Education.
The occasion was attended by Uva Province Governor Attorney-at-Law Kapila Jayasekara, Deputy Minister of Trade, Commerce and Food Security R.M. Jayawardhana, Member of Parliament Ruwan Wijewardene, local government representatives, the Buttala Divisional Secretary and the District Secretary.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
The Department of Immigration and Emmigration has decided effective from 28th February 2026, to grant a free fourteen (14) day visa extension to all tourists who are unable to leave Sri Lanka due to flight cancellations. 
The Maldives Coast Guard Ship Huravee arrived at the Port of Colombo for replenishment purposes on 02 Mar 26. The visiting ship was welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) in compliance with time-honoured naval traditions.
The ship is a 48.9m long Offshore Patrol Vessel which is commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Ahmed Nafiu Mohamed.
Meanwhile, the ship’s crew is scheduled to visit several tourist attractions in the city of Colombo, during their stay in the island.
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