The Hon. Ismail Muththu Mohamed

¶ 01 Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim.

¶ 02 Hon. Presiding Member, I am pleased to join the debate on the new education reforms. Education is the most valuable asset. It is the Government’s duty to ensure equal access for all children. Over time, reforms have come. In 1957–1969, I studied under one system, became a teacher and later a principal. While I served, another system came. Now as an MP, new reforms are proposed. As a former principal, I am proud to comment.

¶ 03 The Northern Province once excelled in education. The 30-year war damaged and destroyed school buildings; students suffered. Once ranked second or third, this year the Northern Province fell to ninth. The reason is inequitable distribution of human and physical resources.

¶ 04 In some Northern schools, students have never even seen a computer. Many teachers lack transport and hostel facilities. Some have served in remote schools for years, but when they apply for transfers, they are refused because there is no one to replace them. Sadly, graduates from Colleges of Education in our districts are posted to outside districts. This must change.

¶ 05 Whatever programmes — “1,000 National Schools,” “Nearest School is the Best School,” “Mahindodaya,” “Science Labs” — schools left out of these remain deprived and decay.

¶ 06 In future, to avoid such issues, resources must be properly allocated so all receive equal education. We must ensure that C.W.W. Kannangara’s free education is truly enjoyed by all. I respectfully request the Hon. Education Minister: four months ago, Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen and I visited schools in Vavuniya and Mannar. In six schools, development projects initiated under the previous government remain half-done. Deep excavations for foundations remain, endangering students. Since public funds have already been allocated, please restart and complete those projects. Thank you.