LG polls not my first priority, but children’s education: Susil

• During the past few years, education in the whole world has gone backward due to the COVID-19 pandemic

By Chaturanga Pradeep Samarawickrama   

“Holding the local government (LG) election is not my first priority; I have given my first priority to children’s education,” Education Minister Susil Premajayantha said.   Addressing the media yesterday, he said if someone says to give second place to education and first place to the LG election, that is their opinion.   During the past few years, education in the whole world has gone backward due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But a unique situation came to our country because of the economic problem.    

It is important to overcome this economic situation. Even though the LG election was held, it will not benefit the children’s education or their ability to obtain school textbooks, uniforms, or teachers.   

There have been situations in the past where LG polls were postponed for one or two years, but the education of the country was not affected. 

However, if the necessary funds are not allocated for education, it will cause a serious setback in the future for the children, the minister said.