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Schools
to be reopened, but problems remain Their plan was to move the displaced people who had sought shelter in schools to camps that were to be built with UN assistance. But only one such camp has been built so far, The Sunday Times learns. Kalutara Zonal Education Director Amara Nandani said that in spite of this problem, the schools would be reopened as scheduled on Tuesday. When asked about the displaced people, she said the problem of refugees would have to be looked into by the relevant authorities. She said partially-damaged schools were being repaired while arrangements were being made to transfer students from badly-damaged schools to nearby schools. Ms. Nandani said that in most cases repairs would have to be continued even after the schools were reopened. For example, some students from the two badly-hit schools, Roman Catholic Balika Vidyalaya and Ihalagoda Maha Vidyalaya -- would be sent to Amarasekera College and other schools, she said. Schools that have been turned into camps in Kalutara include Al-Fasiyathul Nasviya, Beruwala, Diyalagoda Vidyalaya Beruwala, Roman Catholic Balika Vidyalaya, Payagala, Sri Sumangala boys' college Panadura, WP/KL/Agamethi Balika Vidyalaya, Panadura, WP/KL/Bandarawatta R.C.K.V. Bandarawatta Beruwala. A total of 6987 students and 260 teachers attend these schools. Responding to a report that some children living in camps were not getting adequate food, Ms. Nandani said this problem would be minimised once the ration card programme was launched when schools reopen. Commenting on the needs of refugees, a relief organiser said people including children were badly in need of sheets and pillows, many of them being forced to sleep on the floor and thus prone to catch a chill. However, Kalutara Government Agent Jayalath Dissanayake said compared to relief operations in other districts they only faced a few shortcomings and those too would be sorted out soon. He said although there were no foreign volunteer teams working in Kalutara, the rehabilitation work was on track. Commenting on the permanent refugee camp in Panadura he said about 200 people had been resettled in this camp that had been provided with electricity, water, security and about 40 toilets. He was also optimistic that more permanent camps would come up before January 25 enabling the reopening of schools. |
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