New National Policy for School Admissions: President Sirisena

President Maithripala Sirisena declared the Government is to introduce a new National policy for the admissions of children into schools.

The President, speaking at the annual Prize-Giving of Royal College, said the objective was to prevent parents from seeking the help of politicians and government officers for the purpose of admitting their children to schools.

“The procedures adopted to date, by previous governments, for admitting children to school, have failed. Every government was criticized in that regard”, the President said.

“If parents have to fight to admit their children into schools, it’s a matter the authorities should pay full attention to. The present Government is making every endeavour to provide all facilities available in the schools considered as ‘popular schools’, to every school in the country,” he said.

President Sirisena requested school principals to provide the required guidance and contribution to enhance the quality of the schools which are not competitive, to the level of the popular schools.

The President presented prizes to 35 students for their outstanding skills, along with certificates to 18 teachers in recognition of their efficiency.

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, Ministers Akila Viraj Kariyawasam, Malik Samarawickrama, Gayantha Karunathillaka, Ravi Karunanayake, Rauff Hakeem, Deputy Minister Harsha de Silva, Chief of Defense Staff- Air Chief Marshal Kolitha Gunathilake, Army Chief- Lt Gen A.W.J.C. De Silva, Navy Chief- Vice Admiral Ravindra Wijegunarthne, Royal College Principal- B.A. Abeyrathne, and Old Boys’ Association- General Secretary, Athula Munasighe were in attendance.