RS.31 BILLION SPENT ON SCHOOL PROJECT WITHOUT PROPER STUDY BY PREVIOUS GOVT : COPA

■ 5161 schools in the country with less than 200 students ■ 93 schools had closed from 2013 to 2017 due to lack of students In 2018 , 101 schools closed

The Committee on Public Accounts (COPA) found that Rs.64 billion had been allocated for the “Nearest School, Best School” project implemented during the time of the last government (for the period 20162020) and by December 3.1.2018, Rs. 31 billion had been spent and resources granted to schools without conducting a proper study.

The COPA instructed the education authorities to implement an infrastructure development plan for government schools where there’s a minimum number of Students within 04 Months.

The Committee chaired by Prof. Tissa Vitarana, met at the Parliament premises to examine the performance of government schools where the number of students were relatively low.

The committee drew the attention to take immediate action to solve the shortage of water in these schools as well as the sanitation issues. The committee also said that there was a resource disparity due to the lack of proper coordination for these schools.

It was revealed that there are 5161 schools in the country with less than 200 students and there are many problems regarding the quality of those schools. The Committee informed the Secretary to the Ministry of Education, Prof. Kapila Perera that a study should be conducted to look into the situation and that the relevant resource persons should participate on a voluntary basis.

The Committee pointed out the need to develop schools to change the attitude of parents towards schools in enrolling their children in schools.

The COPA also told the education authorities that the Code of Conduct on School Structure should be revised from time to time under the supervision of education administration experts. The Committee stated that the commencement, closure and regulation of schools should be done in accordance with these Guidelines on School Structure.

The Committee also drew attention to the importance of overseeing the implementation of the transfer orders when transferring teachers and principals to unpopular schools.

The Committee also pointed out the need to implement special programmes to improve the examination results of these schools was required as the examination results of a school are a major factor in attracting students.

The Chairman of the Committee, Prof. Tissa Vitarana stated that all schools should have an education administration report and that it is appropriate to base that report when allocating funds under various projects.

It was revealed to the Committee that 93 schools had closed from 2013 to 2017 due to lack of students, due to the prevailing situation in the country and other reasons. In 2018 alone, 101 schools were closed.

It was revealed at the committee meeting that the shortage of teachers for the primary section as well as for certain subjects is another problem faced by these schools.

Although at least 02 acres of land is required to set up a new school, there are about 25 schools in the Nikaweratiya Education Zone alone which have less than 200 students who do not have that space it was disclosed at the committee meeting.

Members of Parliament B.Y.G Ratnasekera, Dr. Upul Galappaththi, Tissa Attanayake, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya and a number of government officials were present at the meeting.