Unions oppose additional Grade 1 class in WP National Schools

The Western Province (WP) Minister of Education has approved an additional Grade 1 in 21 selected National schools, a move opposed by Teachers |Unions.

The Ceylon Teachers' Union (CTU) said this move would cause village level schools to be further neglected.

According to the WP Ministry, select schools in the Education Zones of Piliyandala, Kotte, Homagama, Kelaniya, Kalutara, Matugama, Colombo and Gampaha will benefit from the additional class.

"These schools are already categorised as popular schools and there would be a shift of admission congestion to these schools from rural areas," the Unions claimed.

"If an additional class is given to these popular schools, there would be a demand to increase other Grades proportionately in time to come, and will create more disparities in the school system," the CTU claimed.

The CTU requests the WP Governor to suspend this arrangement that will create more hardships to parents in finding popular schools. When the Minister was consulted, he maintained that news from outside sources need not be taken seriously, but the Director of Education has to take a decision on the matter. However, the Director refused to comment on the matter.

The Chinese government intends to start a Teaching College in Sri Lanka next year, Chinese Ambassador Yi Xianling disclosed this week, while elaborating their future plans to aid the Higher Education sector, at the awards ceremony of Chinese government Scholarships held at the Chinese embassy

He explained that, to strengthen good relations between the two countries, they will help improve Sri Lankan Human-Resource skills by providing knowledge and consultation.

“It will make our two countries competent and strong to improve the economies of the countries,” he said.

Mr Xhianling further explained that, currently, over 500 Sri Lankan students are engaged in academic studies and higher education in China, and the latest addition of 15 new scholarship holders. He said that Sri Lanka has good human resources such like China, and therefore, must educate it, using the opportunity.

The Ambassador explained the opportunity offered by China would also help the national economy of Sri Lanka, while the world is facing an economic crisis.

“We Chinese not only support financially, we support Education and exchange knowledge,” he said

The Chinese government, in collaboration with the Ministry of Higher Education & Highways, is also engaged in this scholarship programme with the same idea of educating the youth.

“You are not only winners but student Ambassadors of Sri Lanka that will strengthen relationships between the two countries,” Mr Xhianling said.

Higher Education Ministry Secretary, D.C. Dissanayake said the Chinese Higher Education scholarship is an excellent opportunity to learn in prestigious private universities.

He said that, this year, the Chinese government offered 5 Postgraduates and 10