INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
President Ranil Wickremesinghe emphasized the importance of holistic education, advocating for a curriculum that includes both academic
to provide nutritious meals to all students in grades 1-5 nationwide
among students, enhance daily attendance rates, instill healthy eating and lifestyle habits, elevate academic performance, and promote local
government schools as well as schools with fewer than 100 students
The government has earmarked a budget of Rs
16.6 billion, allocated directly to the nine provincial councils, with additional sponsorship from organizations such as the World Food
Program and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).Local suppliers supply the necessary food for this nutritional initiative,
oversight mechanism is in place to ensure accountability and reporting for all aspects of the school meal program
management activities since its inception, ensuring continuous vigilance over its implementation.Principal Mrs
Priyangika Wijesinghe extended her gratitude to President Ranil Wickremesinghe by presenting a souvenir in recognition of his participation
Recognizing that education encompasses not only academic knowledge and examination performance but also nutritional well-being, this
initiative mirrors global practices adopted by numerous nations.Malnutrition poses a significant challenge within our borders, transcending
income disparities addressed by the expanded Aswasuma program
However, the root causes extend beyond financial limitations, affecting students of all backgrounds
Many commence their school day before dawn, foregoing breakfast and often lunch, underscoring the universal necessity for school-provided
meals.As we strive to modernize our education system, our focus extends beyond the immediate horizon, envisioning an educational framework
suited not just for 2024 but also for 2030
Initiatives are underway to equip teachers with modern educational techniques and instill students with essential technological proficiency,
including the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into every school curriculum
To support this endeavour, the establishment of AI societies within schools and the enactment of legislation to establish a National AI
Centre are underway, with substantial government funding allocated for research and educational endeavours.Embracing the imperative of
technological literacy, efforts to overhaul the education and examination systems are underway, accompanied by programs aimed at enhancing
English language proficiency among students
These multifaceted initiatives underscore our commitment to equipping the youth with the knowledge and skills necessary for success in an
providing nutritious meals to first through fifth-grade students
President Ranil Wickremesinghe, in his capacity as Minister of Finance, has earmarked Rs
16.6 billion for this initiative, supplemented by aid from the United Nations Food Program
Consequently, all 1.7 million primary grade students now receive a nourishing morning meal, with instructions issued to ensure adherence to
By satisfying their hunger before lessons begin, children are better positioned to engage in educational activities, potentially enhancing
their cognitive well-being.While textbooks and uniforms were distributed promptly last month, the commencement of the nutritious meal
program today has received minimal media coverage
I urge media organizations, known for spotlighting issues of malnutrition, to also disseminate information about this vital nutritional
Under the auspices of the Ministry of Education, our efforts are directed towards cultivating a generation of students prepared for the
future through progressive educational reforms
The objective is to foster a knowledgeable society equipped with an education system tailored to the demands of the contemporary
Arvind Kumar, alongside officials from the Ministry of Education, teaching staff, and parents.--PMD
