Education Minister Prof. G. L Pieris stated that schools in Gampaha and Kalutara districts are likely to be reopened on February 15 according to the recommendations made by the Regional Coordinating Committees while the decision regarding the Colombo district will be taken within this week.
Addressing a media briefing today he said that based on the recommendations made by the Gampaha district Regional Coordinating Committee 589 schools out of 590 schools can be reopened on February 15.
The Minister noted that there are four Education Zones in the Gampaha district namely Gampaha, Kelaniya, Negombo and Minuwangoda and 154 schools in the Gampaha Education Zone and 115 schools in the Kelaniya Education Zone could be reopened on February 15.
Forty of the 135 schools in the Negombo Education Zone with a lesser number of students can be opened while the other schools with a large number of students will have to move to a method like dividing classes and conducting lessons on different dates. Also 158 of the 159 schools in the Minuwangoda Education Zone can also be reopened.
The Minister also added that Pirivenas in the Gampaha district can also be reopened.
He further stated that steps will be taken to solve the transportation issues faced by students in the Gampaha district after having discussions with the Sri Lanka Transport Board and Road Passenger Transport Authority.
Moreover the Minister stated that 442 schools from 446 schools in the Kalutara district can be reopened on February 15 according to the recommendations made by the Kalutara district Regional Coordinating Committee.
The Education Minister noted that the Government constantly plans to increase the student intake through the Grade 5 scholarship exam as well through the university entrance. And also added that usual proceedings were followed in deciding the Grade 5 Scholarship cut off marks and no specific changes were done during this year.
SLPP General Secretary Sagara Kariyawasam also speaking at the media briefing stated that the Government will not arrive at any decision that would sell the resources of the county.
“The Government policy regarding the Colombo Port was mentioned in the SLPP manifesto. We need investors in order to lead the country. Resources of the country will not be sold at any point,” he added.
