The Ceylon Teachers’ Union states that the government has identified 1,557 primary schools with a small number of students to be shut down under the School Education Restructuring Project.
Union President Priyantha Fernando claims that this move will increase the number of children dropping out of primary education, which currently stands at around 3%.
He further points out that the closure of these schools has been prioritized under the government’s education reforms.
Fernando expressed concern that the closures will be particularly unjust to children in remote and difficult-to-access areas, who may struggle to reach other schools.
He warned that approximately 10,000 rural children will be left helpless as a result of the closures.
Fernando criticized the government’s decision, stating that while previous administrations were planning similar reforms, it is surprising that the current government, which once fought against such measures, is now implementing them.
He also highlighted the government’s plans to close Advanced Level sections with fewer than 15 students and merge them with other schools, as part of the same restructuring project. Fernando warned that this could jeopardize the chances of students progressing from Ordinary Level to Advanced Level studies.
According to Fernando, the solution should be to provide the relevant schools with teachers qualified in the necessary subjects and improve facilities, rather than shutting down those sections.
Leave a comment