Prime Minister and Minister of Education Dr. Harini Amarasuriya has agreed to extend the full support of the Education Ministry to implement instructions given by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to popularise the scout movement at the grassroots level.

The commitment was announced by Sri Lanka Scout Association’s (SLSA) Chief Commissioner Manoj Nanayakkara following a recent high level discussion held at the Education Ministry between the Prime Minister and senior commissioners to evaluate the progress and future development plans of the movement.

During the meeting, Chief Commissioner Nanayakkara outlined strategic plans to expand scouting across all schools nationwide, which includes increasing the number of scout districts from 37 to 60. Expressing satisfaction with the movement’s rapid progress, Dr. Amarasuirya assured her full backing for all future initiatives.

Addressing operational challenges raised by senior commissioners, the Prime Minister immediately instructed relevant officials to take remedial measures concerning the difficulties faced by teachers functioning as scout leaders in schools.

Additionally, the discussion focused on several key proposals presented by the senior commissioners, including launching the ‘Supipi’ (Budding) Scout branch as a new segment within the movement, systematically implementing scouting programmes in National Colleges of Education and providing uniform fabric for children from low income families involved in scouting. The Prime Minister agreed to provide necessary solutions for these matters.

Education Ministry officials also affirmed that the current scout management works cordially and co-operatively with the Ministry to expand the movement at the grassroots level.(Eduwire)