The Hon. Mayilvaganam Jegathiswaran

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, first I thank God, my parents, my teachers and my family, and all my dear people who sent me to this Parliament, and all Members present in this august Assembly.

¶ 02 “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” This is a quote by Nelson Mandela. Today’s Supplementary Estimate relates to education. Under the Aswesuma welfare programme, Rs. 65,000 million has been allocated to provide a Rs. 6,000 stationery grant per student to schoolchildren from economically disadvantaged families. This is much needed and timely support.

¶ 03 As a former teacher, I have seen first-hand students facing obstacles — poverty, transport, lack of facilities. This grant will motivate learning. In Sri Lanka, free education from preschool to university exists, yet students still face difficulties. We all benefited from free education; it is our duty to ensure our children benefit properly.

¶ 04 Going forward, education must be digitized, with technological education to prepare students for the world of work and to secure overseas employment, similar to India’s success. This will help bring in foreign exchange.

¶ 05 Student dropouts have been high due to economic hardship. From the Vanni District — Vavuniya, Mullaitivu and Mannar — dropouts are significant and must be reduced quickly. In backward zones like Madhu, Thunukkai and Vavuniya North, the numbers are as follows:

¶ 06 - 2021: Madhu 30, Thunukkai 25, Vavuniya North 41 - 2022: Madhu 49, Thunukkai 22, Vavuniya North 57 - 2023: Madhu 41, Thunukkai 15, Vavuniya North 50 - 2024 (to December): Thunukkai 24, Vavuniya North 59

¶ 07 The main reason is their economic condition. This Rs. 6,000 grant per student will greatly help them. On behalf of Vanni students and all students nationwide, I thank the Hon. Prime Minister and the Hon. Minister of Education, Harini Amarasuriya.

¶ 08 There is also a severe teacher shortage in our areas, especially for A/L Science and Mathematics. For example, at Puthukkulam Maha Vidyalayam in Vavuniya North, about 32 students are sitting A/Ls in Maths and Science without adequate teachers — some studied Chemistry for nearly one and a half years without a proper teacher. Despite repeated requests, due to political interference, teacher transfers were not implemented. In the future, our NPP Government will not allow such interference.

¶ 09 Teacher shortages: - O/L Mathematics: Madhu 12, Thunukkai 4, Vavuniya North 12 - A/L Maths and Science: Madhu 9, Thunukkai 5, Vavuniya North 15 - Primary: Madhu 22, Thunukkai 14, Vavuniya North 23

¶ 10 We will address these in upcoming recruitments, prioritizing these regions.

¶ 11 On school nutrition, the Hon. Prime Minister called for nutritious meals. As a teacher, I have seen students faint during morning assembly due to hunger. We will arrange nutritious meals.

¶ 12 Finally, I appeal to education officials: when teachers approach you with needs and problems, please listen with compassion and provide solutions. Treat them kindly and help resolve their issues as much as possible. Thank you.