Sri Lanka (The Island) - A recent survey conducted by the Western Province Governor’s Office has revealed nearly 100 schools under its purview are in a dilapidated state.
Western Province Governor Azath Salley, yesterday, said that exactly 96 roofs of schools were in such a bad state they could collapse anytime.
Responding to a query by The Island, Salley said that those schools were scattered in the districts of Colombo, Gampaha and Kalutara and there was a serious safety issue.
Salley was appointed Governor in early January this year.Salley acknowledged that the situation had deteriorated to such an extent for want of supervision by provincial authorities and approximately Rs 335 mn was required to repair the dilapidated buildings.
The Governor said that the dissolution of the UPFA-led Western Provincial Council on April 21 on completion of its term wouldn’t affect the planned schools rehabilitation project. "We’ll be starting repairs soon," Salley said.
The situation in the Western Province underscored the need to undertake a study in respect of schools coming under the purview of Provincial Councils, Salley said.
The Governor also said that his priorities would be to provide drinking water, sanitary facilities and classroom furniture to the student population.
The Governor said that they lacked proper mechanism to ensure proper checks on school buildings.
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