The Hon. Rohana Bandara

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, the Hon. Minister of Education has presented a Supplementary Estimate — important amidst our economic crisis — to help parents who struggle to buy books, stationery and clothing when enrolling children in school. We appreciate this support to empower children and parents.

¶ 02 However, eligibility is anchored to Aswesuma beneficiaries. If we limit it only to them, there is a problem. Many extremely poor families did not receive Aswesuma — sometimes due to administrative haste or errors, or lack of NICs, as even the President noted. Some undeserving received it, while some deserving were left out. Therefore, confining this Rs. 6,000 grant to only Aswesuma recipients will leave out needy children. I urge that this grant be extended to all schoolchildren.

¶ 03 On education in North Central Province, despite many efforts, we remain at the bottom. Reasons include: - Over 3,200 teacher vacancies - Many graduates passed recruitment exams but remain unemployed; a portion could be appointed - Around 232 principal vacancies covered by acting appointments - About 130 vacancies in the Education Administrative Service - About 50% shortage in teacher instructors No wonder our education lags. Please address this.

¶ 04 Graduate Development Officers seconded to schools should be absorbed into the teacher service; age-relaxation arrangements have been agreed in court — implement quickly.

¶ 05 We also fear renewed political interference in our province’s education — frequent transfers of Zonal Directors, selective postings. Education must be free from politicization, as the Hon. Prime Minister has said.

¶ 06 A charge was made against our Leader regarding addressing students as “Friends.” Is that why education has fallen? Our Leader’s “Sakwala” programme gave computers and smart classrooms, even to children who had never seen a computer — that should not be overshadowed by nitpicking over a greeting.

¶ 07 Blaming the former Secretary-General Ranjith Madduma Bandara for a child unable to write letters is absurd — hold the school accountable, not an MP. If you truly seek change with this massive mandate, stop mudslinging and deliver justice to the people. This is the change people wanted.

¶ 08 Finally, we wish all a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year. Thank you.