The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education

¶ 01 Hon. Speaker, the Ministry of Women and Children’s Affairs has already begun a programme to regulate even private preschools. The Hon. Member is correct: especially in the North and East there are relatively few preschools, with the private sector dominant, and some children cannot access preschool education. Therefore, the Ministry of Education has proposed that each division study the need and submit proposals through relevant committees to start preschools where necessary. The responsibility for running preschools lies with the Ministry of Women and Children’s Affairs; we will discuss and coordinate with them.

¶ 02 Regarding volunteer teachers, if the Hon. Member has specific cases and details, please provide them. We could not find such details at the Ministry, but we will inquire through the provinces. If necessary, we will appoint a committee as suggested. These matters relate to 2007. We meet provincial education heads monthly; we can raise this both at those discussions and at your advisory committee, gather the information, and examine the situation if an affected group still remains.