8 May 2019 07:02 am
Education Minister Akila Viraj Kariyawasam secured Cabinet approval for the free distribution of 183,000 tabs among school children despite objection by President Maithripala Sirisena.
The project will cost Rs.3.5 billion.
The President, from the beginning, held the view that a pilot project should be implemented first on the distribution of electronic tablets. He had opined that a final decision could be taken subject to the results of the pilot project.
The matter came up for discussion at the Cabinet meeting yesterday. A committee, appointed to look into the programme, also supported the free distribution tabs. Finally, the President gave in, enabling the Minister to get approval to proceed with the programme.
Besides, President Maithripala Sirisena had yet another spat with Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe by objecting a Cabinet proposal to increase some Port tariffs, the Daily Mirror learns.
Minister of Ports and Shipping Sagala Ratnayake submitted a Cabinet paper seeking approval for tariff hikes.
However, the President flatly rejected the proposal. It led to arguments between the President and the Prime Minister.(Kelum Bandara)