The Ministry of Education informs that orders have been placed with 22 private printing companies for school textbooks for the year 2023.
The Ministry said 45% of the textbook requirements will be met by the State Printing Corporation and 55% of the requirement by 22 private printing companies.
The Ministry said the State Printing Corporation commenced the initial printing work with the stock of printing material provided under the Indian loan facility.
With the intervention of the Minister of Education and following approval of the Cabinet of Ministers, a 20% advance was made to the private printing houses.
The Ministry said the Department of Education Publications took steps to provide 50% of the advance payment to printing presses that was obtained under provisions allocated in 2022.
Accordingly, the Ministry of Education has already received printed textbooks from several private printing presses while printed textbooks are also being handed over to the Ministry warehouses.
The Education Ministry said funds for balance advances have been requested from the Treasury and following discussions with the intervention of subject Minister Susil Premajayantha, the Treasury consented to providing funds in part.
The funds are expected to be disbursed next week for bills that have been submitted and for the balance advance payments.
The Ministry noted that it has prioritised the distribution of textbooks and is working towards ensuring the printing process is completed.
