According to the new Education Act, the power of regulating all schools including International schools would come under the Education Ministry, the Education Minister Akila Viraj Kariyawasam said.
He said the new Education Act had already been drafted. The International schools are operating as business ventures registered under the Company Act or the Business Registration Ordinance.
Therefore, the Ministry of Education does not have any relevant details pertinent to international schools.
"The Ministry had no authority to monitor the activities of recruitment of teachers, admission fees and school fees. Following the enactment of the new education act, the Ministry will be able to regulate all schools including international schools," the Minister said.
Discussions are underway with the Department of Muslim Religious and Cultural Affairs to regulate and monitor the Madrasa schools and to bring them under the Education Ministry, the Minister further said.
"Most of the parents used to enrol their children to International schools not because of they are having the ability, but unable to find popular government schools closer to their residences and the difficulties to obtain admissions to government schools," the Minister added.
(Daily Mirror)