School textbooks before December vacation

The Department of Educational Publications of the Ministry of Education is to spend Rs. 3 billion for printing of school textbooks for next year. It is estimated that around 35 million books will be required for distribution among students next year.

The Commissioner of Educational Publications W.M. Pushpakumara said the aim of the Department was to provide the relevant texts for next year to each student before the forthcoming December vacation.  He also said that the student’s desire for the re-use of textbooks has found to be increasing.

The percentage on the reuse of books has increased from eight to 23 percent at present.  The Educational Publications Department award Prizes and Certificates to students who use textbooks neatly and carefully.

Meanwhile, the department has also made arrangements to include the school textbooks from Grade seven to 10 on the internet as well.