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JVP faults govt. for reopening universities, schools without providing proper facilities

Published

5 years ago

2021/01/29

The JVP-led NPP has called on the government to stop tinkering with the country’s education sector because such action would only result in negative outcomes.

Addressing the media at the JVP headquarters in Pelawatte on Wednesday, MP Dr Hairini Amarasuriya said that the government’s failure to manage the COVID-19 pandemic was clearly visible when one looked at the prevailing situation in the country’s education sector.

“The government seems to think that reopening of schools and universities would be the solution. The question is whether these institutions have enough facilities to help prevent COVID-19. When the universities are reopened undergraduates are required to come to their hostels. Whether these hostels have facilities to ensure the safety of students is the question. The situation in the schools is also the same. Both teachers and students are exposed to the virus.

“We already have unsolved problems with regard to the quarantine and treatment. It is not wise for the government to reopen universities and schools in such a situation. We call on the government not to place the lives of our children in danger.”

NPP Operational Committee Member Dr Anura Karunathilaka of the University of Kelaniya said that amidst the prevailing chaos in the country’s education sector the government was now trying to change the number of years of school education. “There is a common criticism against the duration of schooling. The criticism is true. A student may attend school for 13 years and spend four to five years in universities and, therefore, the professionals such as doctors, engineers join the workforce when they are of the age of 30. In other countries the corresponding figure is around the age of 25. The delay of five years is due to various delays in the system that cannot be remedied by bringing down the number of years in school from 13 to 12. The delays are in the examination systems, issuance of results and moving from one stage to another, for example students who complete GCE Advanced Level examination have to wait at home months to enrol in universities. The delays are caused by lack of human and physical resources. But inflicting irreparable damages on the system due to whims and fancies of one or two persons in the name of solving problems cannot be countenanced.”

National Organiser of the Socialist Students’ Union, Rangana Devapriya said that universities, higher education institutes offering degrees and higher national diplomas had remained closed for nearly a year. “The government is now in a mighty hurry to reopen them. The responsibility of keeping these institutions open while fighting the pandemic is lies with their administrators. The heads of these institutes are told that they can reopen their institutions whenever they want. It is clear that the administrative officials of those institutes cannot counter the effects of a global pandemic. There is a need for a national level mechanism for that. The government overlooked the health and safety of children and teachers to reopen schools and we will see the results in the coming weeks,” Devapriya said.

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INS Sharda arrives in Colombo

Published

3 hours ago

2026/06/10

Priyan

The Indian Naval Ship (INS) Sharda arrived at the port of Colombo on 10 Jun 26 for an Operational Turnaround.

In keeping with time-honoured naval customs, the Sri Lanka Navy extended a traditional welcome to the visiting ship upon her arrival.

The Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) is under the command of Commander Kartik Sachdeva.

During the ship’s stay in the island, its crew is scheduled to take part in several programmes organised by the Sri Lanka Navy, aiming to foster camaraderie and professional interaction.

Additionally, the Indian naval personnel will explore several prominent tourist attractions of Sri Lanka.

News

The government is implementing a comprehensive programme to restore the livelihoods of fishermen and businesses affected by Cyclone Ditwah – PM

Published

6 hours ago

2026/06/10

Priyan

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the Government has implemented a comprehensive programme to assist the fishing community and micro, small, medium, and large-scale entrepreneurs affected by Cyclone Ditwah in rebuilding their livelihoods.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while responding to questions in Parliament on Tuesday (09) regarding the relief measures introduced for those affected by the disaster.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated:

“The Ministry of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources has initiated a special assistance programme for both marine and inland fishermen affected by Cyclone Ditwah. Under this programme, new fishing vessels will be provided to replace those that were completely destroyed, while partially damaged vessels will be repaired. The distribution of fishing nets to eligible fishermen has also commenced.

To support the recovery of businesses damaged by the cyclone, the Government has introduced a concessional loan scheme carrying an annual interest rate of 3 per cent. The programme, with a total allocation of Rs. 10,000 million, is being implemented through 15 banks. As at 28 April 2026, loans amounting to Rs. 3,812 million had been disbursed to 2,800 entrepreneurs. The scheme offers a repayment period of up to three years, including a six-month grace period, with the objective of enabling businesses to resume operations without delay. Applicants are required to obtain recommendations from the Grama Niladhari and the Divisional Secretary certifying that the business was operational before the cyclone and that it was affected by the disaster.

The Prime Minister further stated that, on the instructions of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, licensed banks have granted a moratorium on loan repayments and waived penalty interest until 31 January 2026. The Prime Minister also emphasized that compensation payments to affected entrepreneurs are continuing in accordance with the relevant ministerial circulars and disaster relief guidelines.

[Prime Minister’s Media Division]

News

Formulation of a Draft Economic Development Bill to expedite the process of Digital Transformation and Digital Economic Development

Published

16 hours ago

2026/06/10

Priyan

It is essential to establish an institutional framework with legal powers to ensure the effective implementation of national digital policy and guidelines.

Quality human capital should be attracted to this institutional framework for the compilation of policies, implementation of policies, regulation, and empowerment of operations. The continuous participation of the private sector should also be considered in establishing a strong institutional framework.

It has been further identified that attention should also be
drawn to new fields of digital innovation, including support for artificial intelligence and related activities.

Taking into consideration the aforementioned matters, a concept paper has been formulated to prepare a Draft Economic Development Bill for the establishment of a new institutional framework.

Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved the resolution furnished by the President in his capacity as the Minister of Digital Economy to instruct legal draftsman to formulate a Draft Economic Development Bill based on the aforementioned concept paper.