While there is a severe financial crunch and a shortage of funds even for the most essential matters, including the printing of school textbooks next year, Education and Higher Education Minister Susil Premjayantha has asked for an allocation of 4.5 million rupees from the Ministry of Education to participate in a day’s seminar to be held in the United States as per an invitation received from UNESCO. Ministry sources said
The sources revealed that he has requested the money for privileges, including business class airfare and other formalities.
The same source revealed that nothing productive would come out of it. His son, the private secretary to the minister, is currently exerting pressure on the relevant officials by making written requests asking for the money. The minister will only participate as an observer in the Transforming Education Summit being held by UNESCO from September 16 to 19. Hence, this trip is not essential given the current situation in the country. The source pointed out that the minister could very well participate in the seminar using Zoom technology.
The ministry officials have stated that the funds are limited at the moment, and when the country is immersed in a severe financial crisis, politicians should not be a burden to the state coffers. Nevertheless, reports said that his private secretary has stressed that the minister must participate in this seminar physically.
