June 02, Colombo: Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa today inaugurated a program to construct 250 Mahindodaya Technology Laboratories at the island's schools to teach the newly introduced technology stream for GCE advanced level.
The inauguration ceremony was held today at the Lumbini Maha Vidyalaya in Colombo to vest the first laboratory to be established under the program. Construction of the laboratories will commence from today at 250 selected schools in the country under the 1000 Mahindodaya Schools concept.
 |
 |
 |
The Technology Laboratories are aimed at teaching the engineering and technology skills needed for students who are pursuing the technology curriculum for the GCE Advanced level.
Speaking at the event, the President said there is a major competition to enter popular schools and there is also a competition to enter schools in which technical laboratories have been established.
He said the government takes the responsibility of providing education to all in the process of granting a systematic education to suit the country and it is a right that should be enjoyed by all the children of the country.
Secretary of the Education Ministry Anura Dissanayake has said that 25 million rupees will be allocated for each laboratory and needed technical equipment will also be provided for the laboratories.
A total of 15 billion rupees will be spent on the program, and the funding will come from the Asian Development Bank and the Treasury. It is expected to complete all construction activities within 5 months.
Education Minister Bandula Gunawardena, Deputy Minister Mohanlal Grero and parliamentarians Thilanga Sumathipala and Duminda Silva were among those present on the occasion.
(Photos by Nishanka de Silva)
