Rs 1.5b sought to repair schools
View(s):Education Minister Akila Viraj Kariyawasam will next week submit a Cabinet paper seeking Rs 1.5 billion, to reconstruct or renovate school property damaged by floods and landslides last month. Minister Kariyawasam told Education Times that 432 schools have been fully or partially damaged. “This includes schools which need to be relocated due to landslide threats,” he said. Funds will also be made available for schools under Provincial Councils.
“In some of the schools, the roof has been completely damaged, along with major cracks on the walls, damaged or submerged toilets, damaged computer labs and furniture,” he said. He said that, in order to expedite repairs, the funds will be provided to the school principal to effect the repairs, while for a major damage, Technical Officers will inspect the place and reconstruction carried out following standard procedures.
He said school Libraries too have been affected and books will be provided through the National Library Services Board. He said an estimated 60,000 affected schoolchildren will also be provided a relief package which includes uniform material and books, in addition to other relief material provided by well-wishers. The relief items will be dispatched in the coming few days and delivered to the affected schools.
The UNICEF, State banks and NGOs have stepped in to provide assistance to the affected children. “Prefects and teachers from selected National schools will also be involved in a programme to visit the affected children and conduct programmes to boost the morale of the children,” he said. - Damith Wickremasekara