The Cabinet of Ministers has approved a proposal to construct residential quarters for teachers in 14 selected schools located in tea and rubber plantation areas across six provinces, in a move aimed at addressing the persistent teacher shortage and improving educational outcomes.
The proposal, submitted by Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya seeks to enhance human and physical resources in plantation sector schools, many of which are located in remote areas of the Central, Uva, Sabaragamuwa, Western, Southern, and North Western provinces.
A total of 864 schools serve students in these estates, the government said. Due to their geographic isolation, many teachers face significant travel challenges, resulting in vacancies, particularly in secondary-level classes.
These shortages have contributed to lower performance in national examinations such as the G.C.E. O/L and A/L, compared to other government schools.
The teacher accommodation project is intended to ease access to these schools for educators, thereby reducing staffing gaps and ultimately raising the quality of education available to children in estate communities. (Newswire)