The United National Party has decided to move a Private Member’s Bill in Parliament to prevent issues arising in the education sector which has been marred with crises recently, from universities to Grade 5 scholarship exam. 

Our aim is to produce graduates suitable and qualified for occupation from the country’s universities, said UNP MP Akila Viraj Kariyawasam, who is to present the Private Member’s Bill to parliament.

 He stated that the bill includes sections which prohibit schools from collecting money from student and parents citing various excuses. Presently schools are charging money from parents to admit children, for various activities and other excuses, he said.

The bill also prohibits the using of students in any activities except school activities, national day celebrations, religious ceremonies and ceremonies to welcome foreign visitors, the Kurunegala District MP told media persons today. “It should be completely devoid of politics.”

The promoting of principals and teachers should solely be based on qualifications and seniority, he said pointing out that the root of all problems is the politicization of education.

He claimed that the principals serving in around 6,000 schools in the country were political appointments. “A majority of them are unsuitable to administrate schools,” he said.

Kariyawasam further stated that from university lecturers to university students to A/L students and even Grade 5 students have protested and that soon “Montessori children” will also take to the streets.

This destruction in the education sector is seen by the government in a simple manner and in a political point, he added.