The Cabinet of Ministers has approved a proposal to provide a pair of shoes to selected school students, Pirivena lay and ordained students, and Sīlamātās under a nationwide programme for 2027.
The initiative builds on the 2026 program, which was implemented under two phases and covered 836,571 students. For 2027, the program is scheduled to be completed by the end of the third school term of 2026.
According to the proposal presented by the Prime Minister, in her capacity as the Minister of Education, shoes for students in the Western, Southern, Sabaragamuwa, Eastern, and North Western provinces will be purchased directly from local manufacturers and delivered to schools.
In the Central, Northern, North Central, and Uva provinces, shoes will be procured from the market.
Each eligible student will receive a voucher worth Rs. 3,000 to facilitate the distribution. (Newswire)