Distribution of textbooks almost completed: Minister

• The High Commission of India supported us in the supply of materials to print the textbooks for 2023”

By Chaturanga Pradeep Samarawickrama   

Over 95 percent of the textbooks have been distributed to schools around the country and the total distribution will be completed in another two weeks, Education Minister Susil Premajayantha said.   

Addressing an event yesterday to award scholarships by the Indian government for higher school education to students from low-income families and those faced with economic difficulties, the minister thanked the High Commissioner for the assistance to print the textbooks by providing the materials.   

“The High Commission of India supported us in the supply of materials to print the textbooks for 2023,” the minister said.   

Earlier, the minister claimed that the distribution of all essential textbooks would begin on March 27, when the 2023 school academic year begins.   

The government spent more than Rs. 16 billion to print over 350 types of textbooks in three languages, which is four times more than earlier.   

The State Printing Corporation supplied 45% of the required books by obtaining raw materials via the assistance provided by India. The remaining 55% will be printed by 22 private printing institutions. 

•  The government spent more than Rs. 16 billion to print over 350 types of  textbooks in three languages, which is four times more than earlier