• The Minister  invited the Foundation to contribute equipping academic activities in public schools in SL with modern technology
• He also sought the support of Gates Foundation to increase technical capacity of selected public schools in the country

Education Minister Dr. Susil Premajayantha, who is on an official visit in the USA held a discussion with the representatives of the Gates Foundation on the sidelines of Transforming Education Summit asked for technology support to develop the education sector in Sri Lanka, a statement from the Ministry said.  

 The minister who expressed his gratitude for the global development programme implemented by the Gates Foundation to develop the education sector in developing countries invited the Foundation to contribute equipping academic activities in public schools in Sri Lanka with modern technology.  

The Minister, while highlighting that Sri Lanka is having a free education policy from Grade 1 to university level, sought the support of the Gates Foundation to increase technical capacity of selected public schools in the country by replacing the traditional blackboards with smart boards.  
While stressing that investing in education is vital, as the sustainable solution to the economic crisis also lies on education, the Minister also explained that Sri Lanka is currently facing difficulties in securing funds to provide for this necessity due to the prevailing economic situation. The Minister insisted that currently, the government is utilizing funds only to maintain absolutely essential expenses to maintain the public education sector in Sri Lanka.   
The Minister also opined that students will be able to get the exposure to national and international education systems by using smart technology, if Gates Foundation would join hands in investing in Sri Lanka’s education and thus, enabling the Foundation to achieve its basic objectives. 

Mr. Rick Harman, Vice President (Education), Mr. Vincent Kwa, Director (Education - Asia Pacific Region) and several other key officials represented the Gates Foundation at this discussion.