Transformative changes in schools from next year: Education Minister

Education Minister Dr Susil Premajayantha said that the digitalisation of 3,000 schools with Advanced Level subject stream will be finalised next year.

Speaking at a function at Gintota Zahira College, Galle, the minister said that from next year money will be allocated for essential constructions in schools. It will be possible to finalise the remaining work of school buildings already started, and the construction of essential new buildings such as school laboratories.

The minister added that from 2024, educational transformative changes will be implemented first. Administrative reforms and actions will be taken with focus on curriculum development.

“Within this new process it will be compulsory for students to attend school daily and engage in modular activities in the classroom,” he said.

He said that in addition, vouchers to the value of 3,000 rupees will be offered to 800,000 school children for purchasing footwear within the next 2-3 weeks. This payment given to children facing economic difficulties will be increased in 2024.

Exams in primary classes will be reduced as much as possible. Trained graduate teachers will be recruited as primary teachers to regulate early childhood teaching and to promote the quality of primary education system.

Announcements have been issued to recruit 5,450 graduates for Science, Mathematics, English and Technology subjects; of that 1,700 will be appointed to national schools in all three mediums (Sinhala, Tamil and English)

Approval was granted for relevant recruitment at provincial level for vacancies created by teachers going abroad and retiring from service.

Minister Premajayantha said this will help to mitigate the shortage of teachers in the country up to a certain extent.

The minister also pointed out that according to the new administrative reforms it will be possible to balance the teacher shortage by implementing the new concept of cluster schools.