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18,913 students attend 620 isolated schools not considered remote or rural: Minister
View(s):A total of 18,913 students in the country presently study in 620 isolated schools which are not even considered remote or rural schools, Minister Dinesh Gunewardena, told Parliament last week, on behalf of the Education Services Minister.
He said isolated schools are those located in places difficult to reach because of natural obstacles, distant from settlements and have less than 50 students.
Responding to questions raised by Opposition Parliamentarian John Amaratunge, on Government allocations for facilities, additional uniform material given mid year, free shoes, a meal consisting of grains, eggs and milk as per Budget 2013, the Minister said Rs 3 billion has been allocated for meals and Rs 900 million for shoes and additional uniform material for students from rural, remote and isolated schools.
He said, 1 million students from these three categories receive meals including grains and eggs and 600,000 receive free shoes and additional uniform material, while another 200,000 students receive fresh milk.
(NF)