Rs 700m to upgrade Libraries in 3,200 schools- MoE
View(s):The Govt has allocated Rs 700 million to upgrade Libraries in 3,200 schools islandwide. Under the ‘Nearest School is the Best School’ programme, these schools increase the books in their library by 50% in the next 5 years.
The decision, Education Minister Akila Viraj Kariyawasam said was in keeping with the international concept that, each student should have at least 10 reading books in their school Library.
However, the schools will have to obtain the approval of the Advisory Board for Publications (ABP) before purchasing books for its Libraries. Publishers and writers who wish to sell their books to the Libraries will have to submit their books early to obtain ABP approval.
The Ministry of Education (MOE) said a proper system has been established to obtain approval and issue licences without delay. However, books that have received State Listing awards or, have been recommended for Listing awards, have been exempted from this requirement.
All school Principals have been advised on the criteria to be considered and instructions to be followed when selecting books for their Libraries. Provisions have also been made to purchase books from the nearest bookshop, the MoE website said.
- Chrishanthi Christopher