Fibre optic networks for students in remote villages, as COVID situation continues
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has instructed the Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (TRC) to provide fibre optic networks to remote villages so students can follow online classes without complications.
The directive was given at a meeting with the Education Ministry, the Education Reforms, Open Universities and Distance Learning Promotion State Minister and TRC officials among others.
The President has directed the TRC to obtain the required funds from the Treasury. The estimates will be prepared by the TRC and provided.
During the discussion it was revealed that students were facing difficulties in continuing with online education due to a lack of signals. As a solution the President had directed to improve the network.
The moves come in the wake of decision by the Ministry to improve online education as COVID19 was likely to continue to disrupt education activities for students.
Earlier, Education Ministry Sectary Kapila Perera had directed zonal education directors to report on the shortcomings of online education programmes.
He has called for a report within a month and assured that the shortcomings will be addressed soon as possible.
A review of the report is to be carried out thereafter.