New equipment for Vakarai schools

Dharma Sri Abeyratne

COLOMBO: The Education Ministry yesterday dispatched furniture, books and school uniforms and other equipment to twelve schools in Vakarai that are to be reopened following the full restoration of civilian life in the region. .

The schools were facing much hindrances due to lack of furniture and study material when Vakarai was in the grip of LTTE terror. Education Ministry sources said with the dispatch of the furniture and other goods the schools would will be able to reopen soon.

Under this programme, 2,000 school desks, 2,000 chairs, 1,700 small chairs, 850 small desks, teachers’ chairs and tables all costing Rs. 13 million were sent for use by the 12 schools.

Education Minister Susil Premajayantha handed over the list of the consignment to Nation Building Minister Susantha Punchinilame and Local Government Minister Bashir Segudawood.

The consignment will be distributed among the 12 schools in Vakarai, and Padirippu in the Batticaloa District where the resettlement process is being carried out. The Minister said that 225 students were unable to sit the Ordinary Level Examination last year due to the conflict.

The Government looked into the matter and has taken steps to help these poor students. The Government will take every possible step to uplift the standard of Education when the civilians are resettled in the liberated areas, the Minister stressed.

The Minister especially thanked the Security Forces for their valiant effort which helped the innocent people to be rid of the LTTE.