Hundreds of schools still without electricity, potable water, toilets

Though the government initiated several programmes to develop the country’s Education sector, hundreds of schools are without electricity and potable water.

According to Socio Economic Indicators, 1,498 schools don’t have electricity, while in 1,591 schools, students don’t have access to drinking water.

Parents informed the Education Times that even though certain schools have been identified as having access to drinking water, it is not so. They said that, every year, at least once, the school fails to receive water, especially during the drought.

“During such times, the parents are instructed to give their children a separate bottle of water for the toilet, or to wash their fingers before and after eating. At times, this water is insufficient, and the children have their meals without washing their fingers,” said Priyantha Perera whose child attends a school in Kurunegala.

Furthermore, 1,615 schools are without staff toilets and 604 without students’ toilets.

Despite the Education Ministry promoting Computer literacy and IT related education, as being vital for the country’s development, many schools don’t have proper facilities for this purpose.

Only 34% of

all schools have computer labs, while 6,526 schools lack the facility.

Meanwhile, only 23%,or 6,529 schools have permanent libraries.

Budget 2014 has allocated Rs 10 billion for the Education sector, for textbooks, uniforms, mid- day meals and transport subsidies for State- run schools. A further allocation of Rs 1,000 million will be provided to upgrade sanitation and other facilities in rural schools.