Education should not burden children after disasters: Prime Minister
– Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya said that education should not be a burden for children as the country recovers from recent disasters. She stressed that the mental and emotional well-being of students should be a top priority to create a safe and supportive school environment.
The Prime Minister made these remarks during a meeting with education officials in Nuwara Eliya District, where they discussed ways to restore school activities and reopen schools safely after the disasters.
Although the Ministry of Education has planned to reopen schools across the country on December 16, the Prime Minister said that local and district authorities have the power to decide the reopening of schools in areas still affected, based on the situation on the ground.She added that schools in high-risk areas should only reopen after recommendations from the National Building Research Organization, and careful attention should be given to roads and infrastructure. The Prime Minister also said teachers and students who faced difficulties should be allowed to wear comfortable clothing during this period.
During the meeting, district officials said that despite many challenges, education reforms are moving forward, and 51 percent of teacher training in Nuwara Eliya District has already been completed. The Prime Minister said that working together is essential to overcome difficulties and rebuild schools stronger than before.The meeting was attended by Deputy Minister of Education and Higher Education Dr. Madhura Seneviratne; MP and District Coordinating Committee Chairman Manjula Suraweera Arachchi; MPs Kalai Chelvi and Anushka Tilakaratne; Thushari Tennakoon, Nuwara Eliya District Secretary; and several other government officials.