Smart classes, computers for 825 Pirivenas:
Over 100,000 students to benefit:
The government will implement a programme to introduce digital technology to the Pirivena education sytem. Accordingly, steps will be taken to provide smart classrooms including at least two computers, a smartboard and a printer for the 825 Pirivenas in the country, Cabinet spokesman Minister, Dr. Bandula Gunawardhana said.
Speaking at the weekly Cabinet press briefing at the Information Department, Minister Dr. Gunawardhana said the Cabinet of Ministers approved the joint proposal presented by President Ranil Wickremesinghe in his capacity as Technology Minister and Education Minister Susil Premajayantha to implement the proposed programme.
He said that over 100,000 monks and lay students are studying in pirivenas around the country and this project will help these students to utilise digital technology to conduct research and analysis on Buddhist heritage in the country.
“This proposal was presented during Poson Week. The arrival of Arhant Mahinda Thera marked the turning point of the nation. The civilisation and education of the nation developed with the introduction of Buddhism to the country by Arhant Mahinda Thera”, the Minister said.
The Minister added that there is archeological evidence that Maha Vihara and Abhayagiri operated as two international level educational institutions. Sri Lankan education was based on piriven education system and these pirivenas continued educational activities from generation to generation.
The Education Ministry is implementing a project to introduce digital education to 1,200 schools under Chinese assistance with the intervention of the President.
The pirivenas will also get these facilities.
Ishara Mudugamuwa
