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Reopening rest of the schools: Ministry to continue reviewing possibilities

24 Nov 2020

Distance learning and e-learning temporary measures

By Sarah Hannan  The Ministry of Education stated that it is continuously reviewing the possibility of reopening schools for the third academic term of 2020 in the Western Province, as well as schools that are located in the isolated areas outside the Western Province, which are at present closed to prevent the spread of Covid-19. Minister of Education Prof. G.L. Peiris, speaking to the media, noted: “There is no intention to keep the schools shut for a longer period of time. While we do understand that there will be a lag in the class schedules for these students, we have the e-Thaksalawa programme made available for online education and the Guru Gedara education programme that is televised to enable distance learning.” Prof. Peiris reiterated that these are all alternatives to ensure that the schoolchildren are able to continue with their educational curriculum without a hindrance, and should not be considered as a permanent solution to conduct lessons for schoolchildren. He also noted that the contribution from the various departments of education, school administrations, parents, and students to continue the country’s education system is commendable. He also thanked the healthcare authorities, the military, the Police, as well as the support services of the education sector for enabling the education sector to continue its activities within an environment that is safe for the children. “Some schools remain shut in some areas that are not under isolation and even when other schools in the area are operational. It is a call that the schools’ administrations had taken as they were concerned about the health and safety of the children who are attending those schools. These principals had consulted their respective medical officers of health and acted on the instructions that were given to them,” Prof. Peiris elaborated. He added that should a school find that they have run out of certain facilities, they need to alert their zonal directors of education and make arrangements to organise those facilities. Furthermore, the Minister pointed out that the allocated sums are for the upkeep of the facilities in all the schools, and no school will have to purchase sinks, pipes, and taps in its entirety to be fitted in the schools.  


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