In a significant announcement, Minister of Education, Dr. Susil Premajayantha, declared that starting from 2024, lunch will be provided for 1.6 million students. Expressing his commitment to ensuring the well-being of students, Minister Premajayantha aims to extend this initiative to cover all children within the next three to four years.
Despite numerous challenges, the Education Minister highlighted the provision of school uniforms to students at no cost, emphasizing that this practice will commence earlier next year. Additionally, he disclosed plans to dispatch another set of uniforms to estates within the next two weeks.
Addressing the critical issue of teacher shortages, Minister Premajayantha affirmed that measures have been taken to recruit teachers for the upcoming school term. As part of broader education reforms, he disclosed plans to conduct the Ordinary Level examination in Grade 10. Furthermore, he expressed intentions to explore the feasibility of conducting the Advanced Level exam in Grade 12, allowing students to sit for the exam at the age of 17 years.
The Education Minister emphasized that these proposed changes would enable students to enter universities at the age of 18 years, potentially completing their Bachelor’s degree by the age of 21. This strategic approach aims to streamline the education process and enhance opportunities for students in their academic journey.
