'Nearest School, The Best School' the way forward: Education Ministry

Annual Leave granted to Sub-Wardens (Non-Academic) of Universities has been reduced to 45 days, to be on par with the leave granted to all nonacademic staff of universities, Higher Education Minister Lakshman Kiriella told Parliament recently.

He said it was observed that the 90-day annual leave granted to sub-wardens (fulltime) was without consistency between universities and hence, the University Grants Commission has decided to grant the same amount of 45 days leave granted to the nonacademic staff of the university system, to the sub-wardens (full-time) as well. A circular has been issued accordingly.

The Minister added that, the nature of the sub-wardens' duties are such, they are on full-time service 7 days of the week, addressing day-to-day issues of undergraduates and attending to other welfare activities.

He added that, sub-wardens on full-time duty, are entitled to certain privileges not afforded to other university employees. Accordingly, they are paid an allowance of 10% of their basic salary, and an additional allowance of 5% of the basic salary, if they are not provided accommodation.

The Minister said this in response to a question raised by MP Bimal Rathnayake on behalf of JVP MP Sunil Handunnetti.

CK

The Education Ministry is proceeding with the 'Nearest School, The Best School' concept by upgrading 7,000 Provincial schools, to minimise the rush for popular schools.

Around 797 Western Province schools, 646 Northern Province schools, 539 North Central Province schools, 948 Central Province schools, 497 Uva Province schools, 606 Sabaragamuwa Province schools, 708 Eastern Province schools, 673 Wayamba Province schools and 649 Southern Province schools have been identified for development under this policy. Some Plantation schools too have been earmarked.