Central Province schools in need of equipment given relief through World Bank’s GEM project
Funds from the World Bank, under the General Modernisation Project (GEM) had been utilised to modernise schools in the Central Province, which are badly in need of equipment for students.
The World Bank has allocated 9.1 million rupees for this Modernisation Project. In the first phase of the project, schools on the outskirts of Kandy town were presented with equipment, which included technological equipment, sports and musical instruments. The presentation of these equipment took place at the Central Province Governor’s Office on Wednesday.
Central Province Governor Lalith U. Gamage said education should not be divided zonal or district-wise. He said the responsibility of taking care of the students and their education falls on the Education Directors.
Due to the present pandemic situation in the country, the use of modern technological advances for teaching students was necessary, and it had become an important advantage in creating a new structure for students and teachers, the Governor said.
In the initial phase of this project, Menikdiwela Madyama Maha Vidyalya, Walaponne Madugalle Maha Vidyalaya, Walala Madiyama Maha Vidyalaya and Rasikala Aesthetic College were the first recepients of equipment.
Seventy computers worth Rs. 9.1 million, thirty smart TV sets valued at Rs. 2.9 million, 14 smart boards valued at Rs. 5.4 million and sports equipment and musical instruments valued at Rs. ten million – a total of equipment valued at Rs. 27.4 million – were presented to these schools.
The presentation was graced by Provincial Council Chief Secretary Gamini Rajaratne, the Council’s former Deputy Chairman S. B. Ratnayake, Provincial Council Chief Accountant P. B. C. S. G. Pathirane and Governor’s Secretary Anton Tillkekeratne.
(L. B. Senaratne)