The Minister of Education and Representative of Sri Lanka for the Executive Board of UNESCO, Bandula Gunawardana addressing the Plenary Debate of the 185th session of the Executive Board yesterday (12) called for emphasis to be placed on basic education as a fundamental human right, and stressed that Sri Lanka is strongly committed to achieve the ‘Education for All’ (EFA) goals and Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) on education.

Speaking at the headquarters of the UNESCO in Paris, the Minister highlighted the process by which equitable education opportunities are provided for all in Sri Lanka with free schooling, text books and uniform material in addition to meals and other subsidies.

Stressing the need for emphasis on the primary and secondary education, the Education Minister noted the increase of Net Enrollment Rate in Primary Education in Sri Lanka from 89.9 percent in 2001 to 91.4 per cent in 2008.

He also articulated the programme under which one thousand secondary schools are to be launched with a network of feeder primary schools to improve the access to quality primary and secondary education.

He called on UNESCO and the international community to support countries such as Sri Lanka which are committed to implement policies and actions of this nature as also agreed in the Paris Declaration of 2005.

Whilst urging the strengthening of the National Commissions, the Representative of Sri Lanka urged UNESCO and other member states to utilize the unique opportunities that electronic and satellite broadcasting provided in reaching out to communities influencing minds and touching lives.

On the sidelines of the 185th session, the Education Minister also held bilateral talks with the Representative of India Dr. Karan Singh and discussed issues of bilateral cooperation, development and enhancement of infrastructure in the country. He also met with several other Representatives and explored avenues by which cooperation could be enhanced and opportunities provided.