Web of Life

Some 3,500 more schools have been earmarked to be closed due to the lack of students resulting from the low birth rate and the increase in demand for the well facilitated urban schools.

Inter University Students' Federation Convener Duminda Nagamuwa said that 68 schools had been closed down last year according to information obtained from the Education Ministry.

There were 9,826 schools in 2002 and the number was reduced to 9,790 last year despite 32 new schools being opened. He said there were 3,892 schools functioning with less than 150 students while 214 schools had less than 15 students.

He also claimed the entire student population in the country had declined from 4,026,236 in 2002 to 3,941,685 last year.

Commenting on the situation, National Schools Director P.H.P.Geeganage however said the number of students seeking admission to National Schools was increasing drastically.