News
Govt. in fresh bid to improve education in North
Japanese Ambassador joins GL in Kilinochchi
By Shamindra Ferdinando
Education Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris yesterday (3) said that he was undertaking a three-day visit to the North this week to explore ways and means of developing the education sector.
Prof. Peiris said that President Gotabaya Rajapaksa was keen to develop the education sector as part of the overall efforts to improve the living standards of the people in the North.
Japanese Ambassador Akira Sugiyama is scheduled to join Prof. Peiris in Kilinochchi, where the Agriculture Faculty of the Jaffna University is situated.
Prof. Peiris, who is also the Chairman of the ruling SLPP, said that Covid-19 caused a severe setback to the national economy, though the government was determined to implement planned projects. A boost for the Northern Province education was a necessity, Prof. Peiris said, adding that the government wanted to reach out to the people.
Responding to another query, Prof. Peiris said: “We are looking at education sector reforms. Decision makers cannot ignore the need for reforms required to prepare youth for jobs, particularly in the private sector.”
The Education Minister’s visit takes place in the wake of the recent removal of a war memorial within the Jaffna University. The issue is likely to figure in the Education Minister’s discussions with Vice Chancellor of the Jaffna University S. Srisatkunarajah.
Prof. Peiris confirmed the scheduled meeting with the VC and Deans of faculties. Asked whether lawmakers representing the people of the Northern region would be participating in any of the events attended by him, Prof. Peiris welcomed the opportunity.
India sought Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa’s intervention over the sudden removal of the memorial by the University authorities.
There couldn’t be any issue in the government working closely with Opposition political parties for the benefit of the public though differences remained on other matters, such as constitutional reforms.
Sri Lanka brought the war to a successful conclusion in May 2009.
Prof. Peiris who served as the first post-war Minister in charge of External Affairs said that the country couldn’t achieve real reconciliation though progress was made. The education sector could be one field where all stakeholders could work together.
Prof. Peiris expressed concern over the participation of some primary school students in a demonstration in Kilinochchi on Monday (1). Prof. Peiris said that such actions couldn’t be condoned in any manner and he had quite forcefully condemned it.
A section of the media reported some civil society groups, demanding the immediate release of LTTE convicts and suspects in custody, brought out some students. Prof. Peiris said that the previous Rajapaksa government ended the heinous practice of using children as cannon fodder and also as tools in propaganda efforts.
Prof. Peiris said that he would definitely look into the matter. The international community, too, wouldn’t want various interested parties to exploit children in support of politically motivated agendas. The Minister appreciated the reportage of the children’s participation in the Kilinochchi protest.
Minister recalled how children were used during the conflict. Successive governments tried in vain to stop the exploitation of children for ‘military purposes.’ During President Kumaratunga’s tenure, Sri Lanka even secured the support of the UN to bring an end to forcible recruitment of children as child soldiers.
Prof. Peiris said that the government was contemplating far reaching education sector reforms meant to address challenges. The renowned law academic said that the government was confident of conducting the GCE Ordinary Level examination in March though some continued to express concern over the Covid-19 getting out of control. Acknowledging the need to follow health guidelines in spite of the recent launch of the vaccination programme, Prof. Peiris said that the situation in the Northern and Eastern Provinces continued to improve with schools recording much improved attendance.
The Ceylon Electricity Board has appealed to all rooftop solar owners across the country to voluntarily switch off their solar systems during day time hours (until 3pm each day) from April 13th to 21st to prevent partial power outages or nationwide blackouts which may occur.
The Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the people of Sri Lanka should no longer be burdened by conflict and the Government remains committed to ensuring peace and stability across the country, with the government and the public service must discharge their duties to meet the needs of the people.
The Prime Minister made these remarks while addressing public gatherings held in Velanai, Nallur, and Vadamarachchi.
The Prime Minister said that:
“There are numerous issues regarding infrastructure development in the Northern Province ranging from roads, drinking water supply, agriculture, and unemployment, to education and health sectors.
Many of these development tasks fall under the responsibility of local governments and provincial councils that represents your areas. However, these responsibilities have not been properly discharged.
While it is said that the issues raised in the North and East were caused by the war, 16 years have passed since the end of the war. What real change has taken place? Have the lives of the people in these areas has improved?
Although the central government allocates funds to provincial governing bodies, there should be a transparent mechanism in place to ensure that these funds are properly utilized for the relevant projects.
On May 6th, you will hold the decisive right to elect the local government closest to you that will work to uplift your lives and develop your communities. Elect representatives who are committed to serving the people, and free of fraud and corruption.
The government is actively participating in lifting the country from its fallen state and to overcome the current economic challenges. We accept that there is a long way to go. The prices of goods are still high but the government is currently working towards a change, and the people will receive the benefits in the near future.
Measures have been taken to increase the basic salary of public servants from this year’s Budget. The public service must commit to discharging duties with dedication. This must be not only a people’s government, but also a public service that belongs to the people.
Even after the independence, this country has seen much bloodshed and conflict. The people have suffered greatly as a result. The government is determined to ensure that such a situation never arises again. Therefore, the government is committed to fostering peace within the country.”
The event was attended by Minister of Fisheries Ramalingam Chandrasekar, along with several Members of Parliament and local representatives in the North.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
A meeting organized by the National Initiative for Research & Development Commercialization (NIRDC) was held on Thursday (10) at the Presidential Secretariat to streamline and commercialize research and development activities in the defence sector.
Participating institutions included the Centre for Defence Research and Development under the Ministry of Defence, the Sri Lanka Army, Navy and Air Force, the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University and the Research and Development Division of the Sri Lanka Police.
The NIRDC Unit, established under the Presidential Secretariat, aims to accelerate national development by facilitating investment opportunities to commercially apply completed or nearing completion research projects from both public and private institutions.
Defence institutions play a critical role for the progress of technology and science in relation to national security and development. Acknowledging this importance, the meeting was chaired by Senior Advisor to the President on Science and Technology, Professor Gomika Udugamasuriya.
During the meeting, it was discussed in detail regarding the completed and on-going research and development projects within the defence sector, as well as those planned for the future. Special attention was given to identifying opportunities for collaboration among research and development units, enhancing innovation capabilities, and exploring ways to share resources effectively.
The discussion focused on identifying opportunities for collaboration between research and development units relevant to these sectors, enhancing innovation capabilities and exploring ways to share resources effectively. It also examined possible steps to strengthen coordination between civil and defence research institutions. The discussion concluded productively, with several innovations identified that have the potential for future commercialization.
The event was attended by Senior Additional Secretary to the President (Finance and Economic Affairs) . Russel Aponsu, NIRDC Director General Dr. Muditha D. Senarath Yapa, Director (Investments) . Idunil Gunathilaka along with other officials.
[PMD]
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