December 14, Colombo (LNW): Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya has stressed that, in the aftermath of the recent disaster, education should not become an added burden on children and that their emotional and psychological well-being must take precedence.
According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, she said this approach is essential to creating a caring and supportive school environment during periods of recovery.
Her remarks were made during a meeting with education officials from the Nuwara Eliya District, focused on restoring learning activities and facilitating the safe reopening of schools.
While the Ministry of Education has announced that schools across the country are scheduled to resume on December 16, the Prime Minister noted that provincial and district authorities have been given the discretion to decide on reopening in areas directly affected by the disaster, based on local conditions.
She emphasised that schools situated in high-risk zones should only reopen after obtaining clearance from the National Building Research Organisation, with particular attention paid to the safety of access roads and surrounding infrastructure.
She also encouraged flexibility for both teachers and students who have faced hardships, including allowing the use of comfortable clothing where appropriate.
During the discussion, district education officials reported that, despite significant challenges, progress in education reforms has continued, with more than half of planned teacher training programmes in the Nuwara Eliya District already completed.
Addressing participants, the Prime Minister highlighted the need for collective effort to overcome current difficulties and rebuild the education system in a way that is stronger and more resilient than before.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Minister of Education and Higher Education Dr Madhura Senevirathna, Members of Parliament representing the district, senior provincial administrators, and other government officials.
