Tightening the screws on School Administration
Education Minister Akila Viraj Kariyawasam said, implementing new regulations to govern International schools, introducing the school Inspectorate system and setting up school Boards will be some of the priorities next year.
In an interview with the Education Times Minister Kariyawasam also said that, in keeping with the Budget proposal, a Committee is already working on introducing an insurance system for schoolchildren from next year.
Excerpts of the interview follows:
Could you explain the process to appoint School Inspectors.
that the required standards are maintained. They will be authorised to pay unannounced visits to private schools as well and submit reports. Necessary amendments will be introduced in Parliament to empower them with the required authority.
They will monitor the standard of the teachers as well as the facilities of the schools, and whether a school's environment was conducive for learning.
Fees levied by International schools too will be monitored. International schools will be required to register with the Education Ministry and obtain a certificate of approval, before they commence operations. This requirement we hope to present to Parliament within the next two months.
Currently, we are conducting an awareness programme for International schools and have already requested of them to register with the ministry.
Could you explain the Budget proposal to introduce an insurance scheme for schoolchildren.
families who have to spend large sums of money for their children's wellbeing.
In an interview with the Education Times Minister Kariyawasam also said that, in keeping with the Budget proposal, a Committee is already working on introducing an insurance system for schoolchildren from next year.
You have taken mea sures to prevent additional funds being solicited from parents. Could you explain.
We have prohibited the soliciting of additional funds from students for school activities. We have allocated funds for the infrastructure of 7,000 schools. Funds over and above the Facility fees cannot be collected without the permission of the Ministry Secretary.
Some schools have been collecting large sums of money for construction activities. The principals have been informed by a circular, to prevent unnecessary construction activities. In some instances, schools have been replacing gates and other constructions not suitable for the schools. Parents are encouraged to inform the ministry if/ when such funds are being solicited.
You have proposed setting up School Boards. Could you explain their functions.
Boards will be set up in schools.
The Education Ministry is reported to have under-utilised its Budgetary allocations. What is the position?
Due to delays in some of the tenders, the money could not be used while some of the money is still being used. There are also instances where agreements have been reached for constructions. Unlike the previous government, we have not given tenders to our favourites. Some of the constructions are slow.
What are the other pro posals for next year?