Amidst the steady spread of Covid-19 throughout the country, schools islandwide, excluding those in the Western Province, high-risk zones, and isolated areas, have reopened. The Covid-19 pandemic which hit the island in early 2020 and forced the shutdown of schools on 12 March 2020, with its intermittent spikes, made even 100 days of continuous schooling impossible last year. In this backdrop, many fear a major setback in terms of education, one of the country’s thriving sectors.
Speaking to Ministry of Education Media Secretary Buddhika Wickramadara, The Sunday Morning learnt that the isolated areas, such as Kalmunai, are expected to reopen next week. Schooling for Ordinary Level (O/L) students in the Western Province will commence on 25 January, and the O/L examination is scheduled from 1-11 March 2021.
In keeping with the health guidelines, only a very limited number of students will be allowed into a classroom. Reportedly, the Ministry has contingency plans in place if the allocated premises turn out to be insufficient, in that the exam would be held elsewhere.
A point of concern, according to Wickramadara, is the detection of approximately 500-plus Covid-positive persons on a daily basis, thereby resulting in an estimated 2,500-3,000 associates. It is due to this that a decision on reopening all schools islandwide has not been taken.
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"Children should be given a proper education at the age when they should be educated, and if preschool education is not given to children at that age, children will never have the right to a preschool education again" State Minister Piyal Nishantha de Silva [/caption]
Till all schools reopen
Currently, the free-of-charge school uniform material provision is not being distributed according to the voucher system, said Wickramadara. He said the school uniform material was 100% locally produced, rather than the usual imports, in collaboration with the Ministry of Industries. He added that the distribution of school textbooks to all schools has been completed, noting that all textbooks can also be freely accessed online in downloadable PDF format.
The health guidelines have been discussed and sent to all schools before its reopening. Wickramadara stressed: “The authorities within the school system ought to be thorough with the guidelines, as continuous awareness programmes have been conducted in the form of full-page notices on all newspapers and more than 20 awareness programmes on television within the past two weeks.” The Ministry of Education also keeps constant track of the guidelines within the digital media sphere, by uploading the relevant guidelines to social media in a timely manner.
The Minister of Education has reportedly invited to his private residence the Ministry of Education Secretary, Additional Secretary (School Affairs) L.M.D. Dharmasena, Private Secretary Nalin Gamlath, Wickramadara himself, and other stakeholders so as to hold continuous discussions on the matter. Everyone’s intention is to reopen all schools in the island, except in the Western Province, he said.
Aiding safety
The Ministry of Education has distributed resources worth more than Rs. 500 million to schools and additionally sent necessary funds to relevant schools in rural areas in equal measure, the Minister stated.
“We have further discussed the methodology by which to utilise alternative measures in the face of any shortcomings in conjunction with the relevant principals, school development authorities, the elite in certain areas, and all the relevant political bodies so as to co-ordinate with police officials in order to protect the future generation of this country,” explained Wickramadara.
He noted that although much of this is the responsibility of the relevant ministries, it is important to note that the responsible conduct of students and parents, and the community as a whole, is equally important to make this a success.
Principals of schools have been informed to grant students who are unable to attend school due to restrictions, the opportunity to attend the nearest possible school. All details would be recorded on a register. It is not done on the basis of law, but rather on the preference of the relevant principal and school authorities, he clarified.
A very critical time: Joseph Stalin
Speaking to The Sunday Morning, Ceylon Teachers’ Union General Secretary Joseph Stalin shared that the reopening of schools is happening at a very critical point in time. “It is difficult to maintain social distancing among students. Their interactions outside the school premises and during the commute are beyond the control of the school authorities. Young students also tend to interact with each other differently, as they would not grasp the gravity of the situation.”
According to Stalin, the parents of some students are eager to send their children to school because of the intense amount of pressure and frustration experienced by them as well as the students as a result of the pandemic.
“In addition to their children's grievances, it has also brought significant financial strain on the parents, as online learning calls for steep expenses.”
Stalin stated that the duty of the Ministry of Education is to further develop a detailed action plan in this new normal efficiently.
Despite claims of the Ministry that the necessary resources were distributed, Stalin stated that the Ministry has not provided schools with a penny to uphold the safety guidelines specified by the health authorities. “The schools are in a position where they have to reach into their own pockets and that of the parents of the respective student population.
“If the Government would equip schools with facemasks and sanitiser at the very least, the current situation would take a positive turn. It is their responsibility to assist schools in safeguarding children via the provision of the necessary commodities, facilities, and advice; else, the financial means for the school itself to do so.”
Another point of concern, according to Stalin, is following up on the syllabus, including the areas of the past syllabus and those that have been missed out. The teachers are currently advised to follow up on both these areas including for last year and this year, which is nearly impossible, he said. The National Institute of Education has a sizable responsibility with regard to the syllabus and a detailed plan on how to segment two years’ worth of studies into one is crucial.
“Furthermore, the government provision of free-of-charge school uniform material and textbooks is still pending completion. The observation that can be made through this is the lack of a complete, well-thought-out action plan.
“Currently, the student turnover in urban areas is between 30-50% and 50-70% in relatively rural areas. We should work collectively to improve this situation. To do that, the shortcomings have to be aptly addressed.”
Student turnover improving
Speaking to The Sunday Morning, Government Teachers Association of Sri Lanka General Secretary Jehan Dissanayake shared that schools have started calling in students on a 50-50 capacity basis in order to cut down classroom population density. However, no resources have been provided to uphold the guidelines, confirmed Dissanayake, echoing Stalin’s sentiments.
“The student turnover is so far not 100% satisfactory. However, it is improving. We have been warned that there have been considerable threats to certain schools from students and staff members that were identified as Covid associates.
“The current situation is certainly not that a Covid cluster cannot be created from schools. However, with more effort to uphold due measures, the situation may be improved.
“It should be noted that officials should definitely look into the safety of the children more earnestly than their current engagements, as students' safety at the moment is in critical condition.”
State Minister of Women and Child Development, Preschool and Primary Education, School Infrastructure, and Education Services Piyal Nishantha de Silva said that following discussions between the Ministers of Education and Health and other health experts, all primary schools, preschools, and day care centres were reopened on 11 January islandwide, excluding in the high-risk zones.
The school transport system
All Island School Children Transport Service (AISCTA) Chairman L. Mal Sri de Silva shared that they operate in the Western Province, and are yet to start on the 25th. “The O/L students might not use school vans, as school is starting halfway through a month and there would be the problem of paying van fees. My assumption is that most students will come back to our service starting from 1 February.
“A majority of the parents of the students we regularly transport did not pay us our dues during the vacation and in the period schools remained closed.
“They stated that if they don’t send their children to school, then they do not have to pay for transport.
“What they forget is that we have the drivers, caretakers, and owners who depend on this daily wage, and are largely neglected in the conversation surrounding daily wage earners.”
De Silva shared that he is acquainted with many families who had engaged in this occupation and had sold the vans they owned and taken up other work in order to make a living. According to him, there are 48,000 people engaged in the school transportation service; it is not only they who are concerned but also the multiple drivers and caretakers who work under them. “We are talking about a vast expanse of interconnected livelihoods of many families.
“I was informed by our branch in Moratuwa that nine school vans have already permanently resigned from the school transportation service. Their dearth will be felt only once schools restart.”
De Silva added that there are, of course, some parents who pay full fees without question, but most do not even answer their phones when contacted. “We cannot constantly go running after the parents of these children requesting our dues. We are aware that everyone is suffering due to the pandemic. We do a great service, yet many do not realise it until they are affected. Another problem is the reluctance of van drivers to transport two to three students who are studying O/Ls, as the income does not cover the cost incurred.”
The future of this occupation, according to De Silva, is uncertain and there is no relief from the Government. “No interventions from the finance companies have been offered to help us out with interest rate reductions. We are well aware that they do not do this because they have large shares in these companies.”
De Silva explained that the majority of teachers might dislike the idea of reopening schools, as they will receive their dues either way. “However, we cannot stay contained forever. We need to adapt to the situation and find a way to overcome this pandemic.”
All Island Inter District School Children Transportation Association President N.M.K. Harischandra Padmasiri shared that he has been informed through various police departments that the relevant school vehicle drivers and all relevant assistant staff ought to undergo PCR tests beforehand.
“The current student turnover is 50%. I have received news from our drivers from Balangoda, Ratnapura, and Galle about the minimal student turnover. Even if students from one grade attend school for a week, it would not be the same the week after. Yet, our vehicles would be on the road for the 22-23 days to come. However, if the student turnover is largely inconsistent, there is the issue of lack of transportation fees, in contrast to the cost for fuel and our daily expenses.”
As their association is a private organisation, all maintenance efforts are solely provided for through the individual’s income. “The revenue licence counts Rs. 500 per bus seat. Taking 30 seats per bus into account, we pay Rs. 15,000 per bus. We also have an insurance programme on contract basis to ensure the safety of the students and our staff. All these are carried out at our own expense.”
Their vehicles have been rusting in their homes for over 10 months ever since the pandemic lockdowns. “Just as things seemed to settle, we were hit yet again with the second wave of Covid, without a cent of income in hand. Our employees are pleading consistently to request for government relief, which we have requested on multiple occasions, but were met with no positive response. It is like they are fiddling while Rome burns.”
Their request is for parents to trust in their efforts to safeguard their children. “Our vehicles are only for the children we cater for and not for unknown members of the public. Support from the school level is also recommended or else, we would have to halt our services in the future.
“We can readily provide our service despite the irregular and minimal student turnover if the Government makes efforts to at least provide us with fuel relief schemes.”
Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) General Manager Panduka Swarnahansa, speaking to The Sunday Morning, shared that for school buses, the capacity of students would be directly proportional to the available seats. No extra students will be accepted under any circumstance.
“If there happens to be some in excess, we would call for another bus for prompt service.
“We also disinfect the vehicles before the arrival of students and after their departure. Masks have to be worn at all times. Chewing of betel is strictly prohibited. Students are also requested to bring their own sanitiser.”
He assured that the pandemic situation would not be a point of concern within the sphere of the SLTB transportation service in the new normal with the opening of schools in the Western Province for O/L students and also around the scheduled examination, as the number of students increases.
"Children should be given a proper education at the age when they should be educated, and if preschool education is not given to children at that age, children will never have the right to a preschool education again" State Minister Piyal Nishantha de Silva [/caption]
Till all schools reopen
Currently, the free-of-charge school uniform material provision is not being distributed according to the voucher system, said Wickramadara. He said the school uniform material was 100% locally produced, rather than the usual imports, in collaboration with the Ministry of Industries. He added that the distribution of school textbooks to all schools has been completed, noting that all textbooks can also be freely accessed online in downloadable PDF format.
The health guidelines have been discussed and sent to all schools before its reopening. Wickramadara stressed: “The authorities within the school system ought to be thorough with the guidelines, as continuous awareness programmes have been conducted in the form of full-page notices on all newspapers and more than 20 awareness programmes on television within the past two weeks.” The Ministry of Education also keeps constant track of the guidelines within the digital media sphere, by uploading the relevant guidelines to social media in a timely manner.
The Minister of Education has reportedly invited to his private residence the Ministry of Education Secretary, Additional Secretary (School Affairs) L.M.D. Dharmasena, Private Secretary Nalin Gamlath, Wickramadara himself, and other stakeholders so as to hold continuous discussions on the matter. Everyone’s intention is to reopen all schools in the island, except in the Western Province, he said.
Aiding safety
The Ministry of Education has distributed resources worth more than Rs. 500 million to schools and additionally sent necessary funds to relevant schools in rural areas in equal measure, the Minister stated.
“We have further discussed the methodology by which to utilise alternative measures in the face of any shortcomings in conjunction with the relevant principals, school development authorities, the elite in certain areas, and all the relevant political bodies so as to co-ordinate with police officials in order to protect the future generation of this country,” explained Wickramadara.
He noted that although much of this is the responsibility of the relevant ministries, it is important to note that the responsible conduct of students and parents, and the community as a whole, is equally important to make this a success.
Principals of schools have been informed to grant students who are unable to attend school due to restrictions, the opportunity to attend the nearest possible school. All details would be recorded on a register. It is not done on the basis of law, but rather on the preference of the relevant principal and school authorities, he clarified.
A very critical time: Joseph Stalin
Speaking to The Sunday Morning, Ceylon Teachers’ Union General Secretary Joseph Stalin shared that the reopening of schools is happening at a very critical point in time. “It is difficult to maintain social distancing among students. Their interactions outside the school premises and during the commute are beyond the control of the school authorities. Young students also tend to interact with each other differently, as they would not grasp the gravity of the situation.”
According to Stalin, the parents of some students are eager to send their children to school because of the intense amount of pressure and frustration experienced by them as well as the students as a result of the pandemic.
“In addition to their children's grievances, it has also brought significant financial strain on the parents, as online learning calls for steep expenses.”
Stalin stated that the duty of the Ministry of Education is to further develop a detailed action plan in this new normal efficiently.
Despite claims of the Ministry that the necessary resources were distributed, Stalin stated that the Ministry has not provided schools with a penny to uphold the safety guidelines specified by the health authorities. “The schools are in a position where they have to reach into their own pockets and that of the parents of the respective student population.
“If the Government would equip schools with facemasks and sanitiser at the very least, the current situation would take a positive turn. It is their responsibility to assist schools in safeguarding children via the provision of the necessary commodities, facilities, and advice; else, the financial means for the school itself to do so.”
Another point of concern, according to Stalin, is following up on the syllabus, including the areas of the past syllabus and those that have been missed out. The teachers are currently advised to follow up on both these areas including for last year and this year, which is nearly impossible, he said. The National Institute of Education has a sizable responsibility with regard to the syllabus and a detailed plan on how to segment two years’ worth of studies into one is crucial.
“Furthermore, the government provision of free-of-charge school uniform material and textbooks is still pending completion. The observation that can be made through this is the lack of a complete, well-thought-out action plan.
“Currently, the student turnover in urban areas is between 30-50% and 50-70% in relatively rural areas. We should work collectively to improve this situation. To do that, the shortcomings have to be aptly addressed.”
Student turnover improving
Speaking to The Sunday Morning, Government Teachers Association of Sri Lanka General Secretary Jehan Dissanayake shared that schools have started calling in students on a 50-50 capacity basis in order to cut down classroom population density. However, no resources have been provided to uphold the guidelines, confirmed Dissanayake, echoing Stalin’s sentiments.
“The student turnover is so far not 100% satisfactory. However, it is improving. We have been warned that there have been considerable threats to certain schools from students and staff members that were identified as Covid associates.
“The current situation is certainly not that a Covid cluster cannot be created from schools. However, with more effort to uphold due measures, the situation may be improved.
“It should be noted that officials should definitely look into the safety of the children more earnestly than their current engagements, as students' safety at the moment is in critical condition.”
State Minister of Women and Child Development, Preschool and Primary Education, School Infrastructure, and Education Services Piyal Nishantha de Silva said that following discussions between the Ministers of Education and Health and other health experts, all primary schools, preschools, and day care centres were reopened on 11 January islandwide, excluding in the high-risk zones.
The school transport system
All Island School Children Transport Service (AISCTA) Chairman L. Mal Sri de Silva shared that they operate in the Western Province, and are yet to start on the 25th. “The O/L students might not use school vans, as school is starting halfway through a month and there would be the problem of paying van fees. My assumption is that most students will come back to our service starting from 1 February.
“A majority of the parents of the students we regularly transport did not pay us our dues during the vacation and in the period schools remained closed.
“They stated that if they don’t send their children to school, then they do not have to pay for transport.
“What they forget is that we have the drivers, caretakers, and owners who depend on this daily wage, and are largely neglected in the conversation surrounding daily wage earners.”
De Silva shared that he is acquainted with many families who had engaged in this occupation and had sold the vans they owned and taken up other work in order to make a living. According to him, there are 48,000 people engaged in the school transportation service; it is not only they who are concerned but also the multiple drivers and caretakers who work under them. “We are talking about a vast expanse of interconnected livelihoods of many families.
“I was informed by our branch in Moratuwa that nine school vans have already permanently resigned from the school transportation service. Their dearth will be felt only once schools restart.”
De Silva added that there are, of course, some parents who pay full fees without question, but most do not even answer their phones when contacted. “We cannot constantly go running after the parents of these children requesting our dues. We are aware that everyone is suffering due to the pandemic. We do a great service, yet many do not realise it until they are affected. Another problem is the reluctance of van drivers to transport two to three students who are studying O/Ls, as the income does not cover the cost incurred.”
The future of this occupation, according to De Silva, is uncertain and there is no relief from the Government. “No interventions from the finance companies have been offered to help us out with interest rate reductions. We are well aware that they do not do this because they have large shares in these companies.”
De Silva explained that the majority of teachers might dislike the idea of reopening schools, as they will receive their dues either way. “However, we cannot stay contained forever. We need to adapt to the situation and find a way to overcome this pandemic.”
All Island Inter District School Children Transportation Association President N.M.K. Harischandra Padmasiri shared that he has been informed through various police departments that the relevant school vehicle drivers and all relevant assistant staff ought to undergo PCR tests beforehand.
“The current student turnover is 50%. I have received news from our drivers from Balangoda, Ratnapura, and Galle about the minimal student turnover. Even if students from one grade attend school for a week, it would not be the same the week after. Yet, our vehicles would be on the road for the 22-23 days to come. However, if the student turnover is largely inconsistent, there is the issue of lack of transportation fees, in contrast to the cost for fuel and our daily expenses.”
As their association is a private organisation, all maintenance efforts are solely provided for through the individual’s income. “The revenue licence counts Rs. 500 per bus seat. Taking 30 seats per bus into account, we pay Rs. 15,000 per bus. We also have an insurance programme on contract basis to ensure the safety of the students and our staff. All these are carried out at our own expense.”
Their vehicles have been rusting in their homes for over 10 months ever since the pandemic lockdowns. “Just as things seemed to settle, we were hit yet again with the second wave of Covid, without a cent of income in hand. Our employees are pleading consistently to request for government relief, which we have requested on multiple occasions, but were met with no positive response. It is like they are fiddling while Rome burns.”
Their request is for parents to trust in their efforts to safeguard their children. “Our vehicles are only for the children we cater for and not for unknown members of the public. Support from the school level is also recommended or else, we would have to halt our services in the future.
“We can readily provide our service despite the irregular and minimal student turnover if the Government makes efforts to at least provide us with fuel relief schemes.”
Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) General Manager Panduka Swarnahansa, speaking to The Sunday Morning, shared that for school buses, the capacity of students would be directly proportional to the available seats. No extra students will be accepted under any circumstance.
“If there happens to be some in excess, we would call for another bus for prompt service.
“We also disinfect the vehicles before the arrival of students and after their departure. Masks have to be worn at all times. Chewing of betel is strictly prohibited. Students are also requested to bring their own sanitiser.”
He assured that the pandemic situation would not be a point of concern within the sphere of the SLTB transportation service in the new normal with the opening of schools in the Western Province for O/L students and also around the scheduled examination, as the number of students increases.