Minister of Education Susil Premajayantha says he has issued directives to authorities to be lenient towards school students and teachers owing to various hardships in the country.
Speaking in Parliament today, Minister Premajayantha said at present, students are facing numerous difficulties due to the economic crisis such as transport issues.
The Minister said if a student or a teacher arrives in schools late, they should not be penalised.
He said if a student arrives in school without shoes or not in uniform, they should be excused.
The Education Minister said the proposals in this regard will be released officially in the coming week.
Minister Susil Premajayantha said he will engage in discussions with trade union representatives on Friday, to finalise a programme where concessions can be provided to students facing hardships.
He said he does not want to reduce the number of school hours adding that students however should be provided some relief.
The Minister added they are hoping to normalise the examination timetable by next year.
He said this year’s examination timetable will be flexible as there were several disruptions to the orderly conduct of classes.
The Education Minister said in 2020, schools in the Western Province conducted classes only on 94 days of 194 school days while schools in other provinces conducted classes over 117 days.
He said in 2021, of 229 school days, schools in the Western Province conducted school over 102 days and 143 days in out stations areas.
The Minister said schools did not function on several days this year as well owning to various days.
He said therefore they cannot return to the normal examination timetable yet.
The Minister said students in Grade 1 and 2 were the most affected groups.
He assured to take necessary steps to provide adequate schools hours to all students.
