Major developments in the education sector can be expected – PM

Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe stated that the upcoming year will be an extremely tough fiscal year for the country as loans will be taken to develop the local education sector. 

The Prime Minister made these statements at the opening ceremony of the Institute of Technology of the University of Moratuwa at Diyagama, Homagama today (10). 

He also stated that the current government has been able to create an economic situation where the country has the ability to increase revenue and repay our outstanding debts. 

Prime Minister Wickramasinghe further stated that the government is has taken steps to further the advancement of the educational, higher educational and health sectors of the country. He stated that loans will be taken and channeled into these spheres to help yield better results in the future. It was also stated that the government would ultimately create an economic situation where 6% of the countries budget will be exclusively utilized for the educational sector.

The fact that the upcoming years will be of increased financial difficulty was highlighted by the Prime Minister. He stated that loans will be taken for the development of the education sector in 2018, and further loans will be taken in 2019 for the implementation of the program. He stated that even though the upcoming year will be turbulent, the government will ultimate create a Sri Lanka where every school regardless of scale or location will become a premier educational institute. He issued a statement with regards to this matter stating “the closest school to you will be the best choice”

It was also stated that several new teacher, administrative staff members, lecturers and principals will be trained and recruited to successfully revamp the Sri Lankan schools system. 

The Prime Minister also stated that the requirement of a 13-year school education will be made mandatory, ensuring the creation of an educated, skilled future Sri Lanka. He also stated that within the next few years plans will be made to equip school children with tablets, computers and several technology based learning tools. After an initial trial phase, over 500,000 Advanced Level students will be equipped with smart devices to help further their learning experience. 

He also stated that by the year 2035 the Sri Lankan educational system will be completely computerized broadening the horizons of all students.       
It was also stated that after a 13-year education, the necessity for all students to enter local universities will to have guaranteed employment will be nullified. The Prime Minister stated that post-A levels, students will have the opportunity gain an education in several other fields such as agriculture and media in special government institutions. 

Further it was mentioned that new jobs will be created by the widening of the post graduate education sphere. 

The Prime Minister stated that the global community around Sri Lanka is growing at an alarming rate. Countries such as India and Bangladesh will have a literacy rate akin to that of Sri Lanka in the near future. He stated that as leaders, it is their responsibility to equip the Sri Lankan youth with the best possible resources to compete with global citizens.