President leaves for UNESCO Conference in France
[October 1, 2005 - 10.30 GMT]  

President Chandrika Kumaratunga left for France in the early hours of Saturday [1st October] morning. She is scheduled to address the 33rd session of the UNESCO General Conference on Monday 3rd October in Paris.

President Kumaratunga is one of two World Leaders invited to attend this year’s conference, the other is the President of the Republic of Ghana John Agyekum Kufuor.

‘Education for All’ is the overall theme of this year’s Conference. Representatives of Member States will decide on UNESCO's programme and budget in education for the two coming years. Special attention is to be given to three key educational challenges: teacher training, literacy and HIV/AIDS prevention education. The General Conference meets every two years and is attended by Member States and Associate Members.

The President is scheduled hold talks with her French counterpart Jacques Chirac at the Elysee Palace during her stay. Kumaratunga will also meet other French leaders.

Minister Rantansiri Wickremanayake will act as Minister of Defence till the President’s return to the island. Ministers Mangala Samaraweera and Dinesh Gunawardane will act as Ministers of School Education and Higher Education. Deputy Ministers Dilan Perera and Lasantha Alagiyawanne will act as the Ministers of Media & Transport, while Deputy Minister D. M. Dassanayake will act as Minister of Relief, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction.

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Last Updated Date: October 1, 2005 - 10.30 GMT