SCHOOLS COLLECTING MONEY TO PAINT CLASSROOMS : CTU
Despite schools in the Western Province being allocated funds for colourwashing the buildings, a majority of schools are known to be involved in money-collecting rackets, the Ceylon Teachers’ Union (CTU) charged yesterday.
CTU Secretary Joseph Stalin said funds had been allocated to schools in 11 educational zones to colourwash the buildings in the 11 education zones within the Western Province.
The Education Department has provided schools having less than 500 students with and allocation of Rs.50,000; schools having between 500 and 750 students with an allocation of Rs.100,000, while schools having more than 1,000 students have received an allocation of Rs.150,000.
“Money is being collected from students for painting the school. Some schools are doing it in an organised manner through a programme called ‘class cir- cles’,” Mr. Stalin said.
He said when collecting money in schools was clearly banned through a circular, it is surprising to hear that no investigation had been carried out about these money-collecting activities.
“According to the Commission investigating allegations of Bribery and Corruption, the education sector has the highest number of reported cases of corruption. In such a situation allowing these activities to continue is an indirect encouragement for those indulging in such activities,” Mr. Stalin said.
The CTU urged the authorities to investigate this matter and put a stop to such money-collecting ac-
The education sector has the highest number of reported cases of corruption. Allowing these activities is an indirect encouragement for those indulging in such activi
ties
tivities in schools. It urged parents to report these matters to the Bribery Commission instead of supporting such activities.
On Wednesday the Horana Acting Magistrate released a 13-year-old girl on bail when she was produced in Court on charges of having stolen coconuts, which the girl claimed she did with the intention of finding Rs.800 to paint her school classroom.