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				5. Strengthening Social Infrastructure and Fostering Social Services 5.1 Education 5.2 Health 5.3 Youth Affairs and Sports 5.4 Culture 5.5 National Heritage 5.6 Social Protection 5.1 Education Situation There are 1009 schools in the Eastern Province, with a total enrolment of about 378,157 divided almost evenly between boys and girls. Of these schools 35 schools have been temporarily closed due to the conflict situation. The rate of student drop-out is 15% almost four times the national average. It is estimated that large number of children is out of school. The number of school aged students in the East is predicted to increase to around 390,000 by the end of 2007, as internally displaced persons return, drop out rates fall and retention and transition rates rise. Table 5.1: Number and Types of Public Schools in the Eastern Province by Districts The increase in the highly affected areas would be mainly from returning IDPs, and therefore mostly in the coming two years, whereas in the least affected areas most of the increase would be from out-of-school children which is expected to pick up in the later years. Overall increases in enrolment will require an increase in school capital stock, such as buildings, basic facilities, furniture, equipment, literature and material. It will therefore be very important in the overall processes of peace building and reconciliation. While priority should be given to the compulsory education cycle for the 5 to 14 year age group (typically grades 1-9), the needs of pre-school education, vocational and technical education and higher education should also be addressed. The need for non-formal education for non-enrolled and dropped-out children, and educational opportunities for children with special needs, is also a priority. Key Issues The key issues in the Education sector of the Eastern Province are listed below: An acute teacher shortage in the Eastern Province. The Total number of Teacher Vacancies is 2116 at present. The shortage of Teachers exists mainly in the rural and difficult areas. There is acute shortage of Teachers for Mathematics, Science, English and Information Technology etc. It is very difficult to recruit qualified Teachers of English. At present English Teacher vacancies are 467 (27%). Therefore many Schools are unable to achieve the objectives mentioned in the Education reforms. Insufficient SLEAS officers available in the Province at present. SLEAS vacancies are 135 which is nearly 73 %. A shortage of basic sanitary facilities in schools, including toilets, urinals and dinking water. A lack of adequate and appropriate infrastructure facilities in the schools affected by the conflict including class rooms, libraries, laboratories, activity rooms and teachers’ quarters. A shortage of furniture in schools such as students’ sets, teachers’ sets, blackboards and cupboards. A shortage of equipments and other quality inputs – constraining teaching and other learning activities. Inadequate management training for Principals and Education officers. A lack of incentives to improve the student participation rate. A severe shortage of official vehicles is also a problem: Many Zones and Additional. Provincial Offices have no vehicles. This causes difficulties in Educational Supervision and poses drawbacks in the implementation of the New Reforms in the Educational Sector. Inadequate space in some Zonal Education offices: Some of them need extensions and others require additional building facilities. Limited access in the region to university and vocational and technical education – due to lack of infrastructure facilities and poor quality of training programmes. Objectives To revitalize all aspects of the education system, both formal and non-formal, in the region, including pre-school, primary, secondary, tertiary and technical / vocational training systems and facilities severely damaged during the conflict. To establish child friendly schools at every 3 km distance. To upgrade one school per DS Division as Isuru Colleges. To provide higher order learning facilities for selected schools. To upgrade existing schools to accommodate increasing student population. To improve the level of attainment of education during the period 2007-2010. To improve the student to teacher ratio up to 20:1 by the year 2010. To develop the skills of teachers, principals, and other relevant officers. Flowing from the issues identified and policy guidelines set out above, the educational policy needs to focus on the themes of equity, quality, efficiency and effectiveness at every level. It should be innovative and responsive to the needs of social, economic, political and cultural development to blending national and global demands, and be transformative in nature. Strategies Promoting equitable opportunities in access, participation, achievement and outcomes in basic and secondary education Ensure a 100% participation rate in Education of students in the Eastern Province. Create awareness about the importance and benefits of Education in identified areas. Develop and organize “Special Education” facilities for the group of children with varied abilities. Make youth interested in skills through imparting of vocational skills. Improving the quality of basic and secondary education Incorporate Information Technology in the core curriculum in senior secondary grades and activity rooms in junior schools. Expand opportunities for learning English at primary and secondary level in all schools, use activity-based Oral English and English medium in schools, strengthen the Regional Educational Support Centres. Promote national harmony through education (i) by organizing selected schools in multiethnic communities to provide education in the Sinhala and Tamil media, (ii) introducing conversational Sinhala for Tamil students and conversational Tamil for Sinhala students. Establish a comprehensive teacher development framework and system to improve the motivation, competencies and performance of teachers. Re-deployment of excess teachers and recruitment of new teachers to fill the existing vacancies are necessary. Improve the early childhood development and pre-school in the Eastern Province. Provide infrastructure facilities in schools by way of required essential space, higher order space and better maintenance. Strengthening governance, efficiency and service delivery in general education Develop and implement an educational sector plan through a bottom up and top down and sector – wide planning approach. Implement a Public Expenditure and Quality Education Tracking System. Strengthen governance in schools through the Programme for School Improvement Identifying Zones for implementation for each year. Develop a capacity building programme for education personnel. Enforce a Performance Appraisal Scheme for all educational personnel. Strengthen the Quality Assurance Unit to oversee all schools by 2010. Strengthening vocational and technical training programmes Provide access for school leavers to vocational and technical education programmes Improve the quality of courses by revising curricula and introducing new demand driven – industry related training programmes. Expansion of university education Provide access for suitable candidates to university education through expanding infrastructure facilities of existing universities. Improve the quality of degree courses by revising curricula and introducing new demand driven – industry related degree programmes. Programmes and Projects On-going Programmes and Projects During the Plan period, there are eight major programmes identified in respect of the Education Sector of the Eastern Province: Non formal Education, Special Education, Pre School Education, Primary Education, Secondary Education, Training on Human Resource Development, Vocational and Technical Education, and University Education. The following projects are already being implemented in the Eastern Province. Table 5.2 On-going Programmes and Projects The development activities planned by the Provincial Ministry of Education for 2007 includes (a) development of infrastructure facilities, (b) teacher recruitment and (c) education development activities of which details are given below- Development of Infrastructure: Teacher recruitment: 1,237 graduate teachers and 462 volunteer teachers have been recruited. Education development activities: Future Programmes and Projects Future projects, starting in 2008 and covering the medium term period up to 2010, will mainly focus on following aspects: (A) Promoting Equitable Access to Basic and Secondary Education Non formal Education Construction of Non formal Resource Centres & Units, computer learning centres Supply of furniture, equipment and conducting training programmes (B) Improving the Quality of Primary and Secondary Education Pre School Construction of pre school building, supply of furniture, provision of play kits and conducting training Programme Primary Education Conducting Training Programmes, provision of quality inputs, computer room facilities, toy corner facilities, supply of reading materials and provision of language development cassettes, CDs Secondary Education Conducting Training Programmes and provision of quality inputs Infrastructure facilities for the Primary and Secondary Education Development of Isuru Colleges : In line with the Government’s strategies to upgrade one secondary school to a fully fledged school in each of the 325 administrative divisions, 20 selected schools from Ampara, Baticaloa and Trincomalee will be developed as Isuru Colleges. Taking into consideration the demographic balance at least 6 schools will be selected in each district. All necessary infrastructures including laboratory, ICT, multimedia, home science, sports, water supply, sanitation facilities and human resources will be provided to the selected schools. This will minimize the high demand for national schools located in urban areas. Providing School Equipment and computer facilities to Type 1C & Type II Schools Infrastructure Facilities – Office Construction of Office Buildings, supply of Furniture & Office Equipments (C) Strengthening Governance and Service delivery Conducting Local and foreign training programmes (D) Technical and Vocational Education Upgrading of existing Vocational Training Centres, establishment of new training centres Reconstruction of Tsunami affected Advanced Technological Institutes - ATI – Ampara - ATI – Trincomalee In addition to the civil works, required equipment for the ATIs at Ampara, and Trincomalee will be supplied. Textile and Garment Industry Training Centre at Kalmunai (E) Expansion of University Education Development of the Faculty of Healthcare Sciences (FHCS), Eastern University of Sri Lanka Development of the Tsunami Affected South Eastern University (Rs. 4,300 mn):- The project aims to bring relevant tertiary education to Eastern Province affected by both by civil disturbances and the tsunami, and act as a driver for regional development in line with the ten year horizon development framework of the government. The South Eastern University was founded in 1995 with minimal infrastructure and other facilities. The recent tsunami and subsequent flood have damaged the physical and learning environment of the university reducing its functional capacity. Therefore, an attractive new campus is to be designed and built, suitable for expanding university in the modern world. The objectives of the project are to relocate and rebuild the university to cater to the present demand for tertiary education in the region. Development of the Faculty of Commerce and Management, Eastern University of Sri Lanka Providing hostel facilities Swami Vipulananda Institute, Batticaloa. (Rs. 133 mn) :- The purpose the project is to provide adequate hostel facilities for the students attached to the Institute of Aesthetic Studies of Eastern University of Sri Lanka (EUSL) through construction of a hostel building for 200 students. The total estimated cost of the project is Rs. 133 million and the entire cost is expected to be financed from the Consolidated Fund. Development of Tsunami affected Universities:- A large number of higher education institutes including universities have been damaged by the Tsunami. Of these damaged institutions following institutions are expected to be rehabilitated / reconstructed by this project. - Information Technology building for Eastern University - Information Technology building for South Eastern University Implementation and Monitoring Provincial Level The Provincial Education, Eastern Province will be responsible for the implementation and monitoring the programmes at the provincial level. Zonal Level The each Zonal Director of Education of the Eastern Province will be responsible for implementation and monitoring the programmes with assistance of the Deputy Director of Education – Development and School Works Engineer in the Zonal Education Offices. Investment Plan for Education Summary of the Estimated Investment Plan for Education is given in Table 5.3. Table 5.3: Investment Plan (2007-2010) 5.2 Health Situation The conflict over the past two decades and the recent natural disaster have reduced the health sector in the Eastern Province to an inefficient and weakened system, reversing the earlier achievements of good healthcare. Availability, accessibility and quality of healthcare delivery services in the province are significantly low when compared with other regions of the country. This has affected the population in the province as they have to travel long distances to obtain specialist services. Emergency cases cannot be handled properly by many institutions as they do not have the required capacity. Preventive Health Services have also been weakened due to lack of staff, facilities, equipment and accessibility. For instance, according to the latest statistics, the highest infant mortality rate and highest rate of under 5 mortality have been reported from the Eastern Province. Table 5.4 - Health Sector Profile Key Issues Infrastructure: Some of the healthcare institutions in the Province have been damaged and some cannot function properly due to damaged infrastructure such as water supply and sanitary facilities. The main shortcomings identified include, among others, lack of proper buildings to house healthcare institutions, lack of special care facilities such as labour rooms, neonatal care units, ICUs in strategically located hospitals, inadequate laboratory facilities and equipment, absence of blood bank facilities and ambulances. This poses a threat to emergency obstetrics, early childhood and elderly care services. Therefore, provision of the necessary infrastructure facilities is essential to upgrade the healthcare services in the Eastern Province. Preventive care: With inadequate maintenance of a large number of preventive health institutions in the Province, preventive healthcare activities have been severely hampered. The incidence of communicable diseases has registered an upward trend. Availability of contaminated water, low standard of hygine, and food insecurity has led to making preventive care more difficult. Provision of essential healthcare facilities to resettled families and displaced families who are still located in IDP Camps has become a major challenge. The disease surveillance system has to be strengthened and uniformly used throughout the Province. The National Immunization Programme needs to be strengthened by providing a regular supply of vaccines, trained health personnel, transport and maintaining an effective cold chain. Nutrition: Malnutrition coupled with micronutrient deficiencies constitute significant public health problems in the Eastern Province. Although there were no surveys conducted recently, anemia and malnutrition among lactating and pregnant mothers and the percentage of underweight children (0-5 years) are high in Eastern Province when compared with national averages, according to the health authorities. An adequate programme for providing nutrient rich supplemental blended food to pregnant and lactating mothers and malnourished children under five years is therefore needed. Human Resources: Acute shortage of health personnel in the Province, mainly in the skilled and professional categories, hampers the delivery of a quality health service. Out of the total posts in the health sector, about 40 percent is vacant. There is an immediate need to provide medical officers, specialists, nurses and paramedical workers to conduct the basic health services particularly in remote areas. Objectives The overall policy objective of the Health Sector is to ensure equity in healthcare through easy access to quality and modern health care services. The health needs of the lower income groups and the most vulnerable will be the main focus of healthcare development strategies for next 5 years (2008- 2012). The specific sectoral development objectives of the Health Sector are Restore health services in the Eastern Province to a level on par with the rest of the country. Ensure access to all levels of health care – primary, secondary and tertiary care in keeping with the needs of the present and projected population of the Eastern Province. Ensure that the required support facilities for the smooth functioning of health delivery and administration system are in place, including accommodation facilities for staff, adequate and safe water supply, medical supplies and storage facilities, epidemiological surveillance system and health management information system. Ensure adequate health personnel are trained and deployed to meet the demand. It is expected to achieve the following outcomes in the Plan period: Reduction in maternal mortality, infant and child mortality by 38% in 2010. Reduction of mortality rates due to diarrhea diseases by 48% in 2010. Reduction in malnutrition in under-five children by 48% in 2010. Reduction in low birth weight by 30% by in 2012. Effective control of epidemics of vector borne diseases in Eastern Province. Containment of the spread of HIV infection through maintaining a low prevalence. Strategies The health care delivery structure will be rationalized through re-categorization of medical care institutions in the Province. At least one District General Hospital will be provided to each District along with 1- 3 District Base Hospitals depending on the healthcare demand in the region. It is expected to develop at least one Divisional Hospital (currently named as District Hospitals, Peripheral Units, Rural Hospitals) for each Divisional Secretary Division. Primary care institutions managed by the Provincial Council will be developed by providing necessary infrastructure and equipment on the basis of priority. All healthcare institutions in the province shall have a Master Plan for institutional development where present and future needs in terms of infrastructure, equipment and human resources will be identified. There is a need for public investment in building rural sub-centres and primary health centres in the rural areas posted with adequately–trained, dedicated staff and equipment in order to reduce the rural-urban gap in health indicators. Identified secondary care and tertiary care hospitals which are located in strategic locations and managed by the Ministry of Healthcare and Nutrition will be strengthened. Emphasis will be given to strengthen emergency care services including Emergency Obstetric Care. Development of selected regional and sub-regional specialized healthcare units. These will include a Regional Training Centres, Cancer Care services, Blood Bank services, STD/AIDS units, Health education units, Drug stores, and Biomedical Engineering units will be established. Strengthening of the network of community healthcare will be strengthened to improve health prevention and promotional activities. It is necessary to provide infrastructure, vehicles and human resources to the Medical Officers of Health (MOH) for this purpose. There is a need to provide an adequate number of midwifes to provide better service to the people. The National Immunization Programme will be strengthened by providing regular supply of vaccines, trained health personnel, transport and cold chain facilities. Effective and affordable new technologies and innovations will be introduced into the Provincial healthcare services. New technologies and innovations reduce morbidity while increasing the quality and efficiency of care and are essential for development of the health sector.Health promotion programmes and safe disposal of hospital waste will be adopted to ensure all hospitals are health promoting and environmentally friendly. The existing nutritional intervention programmes implemented through Ministries of Healthcare and Nutrition and Nation Building will be strengthened. In addition, the Medical Officers of Health in the respective areas are encouraged to plan and implement suitable programmes for improvement of the level of nutrition at divisional and sub-divisional levels in close coordination with other relevant sectors in the locality. Adequate health personnel will be trained and deployed to fill the existing healthcare vacancies in the Province. This will address the issue of shortage of human resources for delivery of better healthcare services. A Human Resources Development Plan, which emphasizes regional efforts to improve existing capacities should be developed for regular Human Resources Development. Priority Programmes and Projects On-going Development Programmes and Projects Table 5.5 – On-going Health Sector Development Projects Provincial Specific Development Grant: Construction of OPD building at Base Hospital- Valaichena (Rs 24.0 mn), Health Centers at Aranthalawa (Rs 2.0 mn), Drug Manufacturing Unit and male & female wards at District Ayurveda Hospital, Kappalthurai (Rs. 21 mn) is under construction. Tsunami Projects: District hospitals at Kattankudy, Kalawanchikudy, Kallar, Ninthaur, Pothuvil, Samanthurai, and Base hospital at Akkaraipattu (Rs.1318 mn) National HIV/AIDA programme: 23 awareness programmes for most vulnerable groups are being conducted at regional level. Proposed Development Programmes and Projects A number of projects have been identified to address the current issues and needs of the provincial health sector. These projects have been basically categorized under four programme areas namely, Development of Primary Care institutions, Strengthening of Strategic Secondary Care and Tertiary Care hospitals, Development of facilities to promote Indigenous Medicine, and Nutritional Intervention. (A) Development of Primary Care Institutions Details of priority projects identified under each programme area and their costs are given in Tables 5.6 to 5.9. Table 5.6 Priority Projects in the DPDHS Region-Ampara Table 5.7 Priority Projects in the DPDHS Region –Kalmunai Table 5.8 Priority Projects in the DPDHS Region Batticaloa Table 5.9 Priority Projects in the DPDHS Region Trincomalee (B) Development of Strategically Located Hospitals Teaching Hospital, Batticaloa This hospital is the only Teaching Hospital located in the Province and it serves a large population. The hospital provides training for health personnel, specially professional categories. Therefore, it needs proper building facilities to house the essential treatment units. Also, the patients are undergoing many hardships as cancer treatment facilities are not available in the province. The proposed cancer unit at the TH Batticaloa will help to treat the cancer patients within the province. The investment requirement for the Teaching Hospital during the Plan period is given in Table 5.10 Table 5.10: Project Activities and Costs for Batticaloa Teaching Hospital General Hospital, Ampara The hospital is situated in a remote area which was affected by both Tsunami and the conflict. Development of the GH Ampara has been identified as a part of on-going development work in the Eastern Province and given high priority. The hospital has been recently upgraded to a General Hospital with more specialties. Therefore, it is necessary to provide required facilities. Investment requirements during the Plan period is given in Table 5.11 Table 5.11 Project Activities and Costs for Ampara General Hospital Ashrof Memorial Hospital and the Base Hospital (Kalmunai North), Kalmunai Currently the two main communities living in the area tend to use the two hospitals (Kalmunai North Hospital in the Tamil division and Ashraf Memorial Hospital in the Kalmunai Muslim division) as specific to the respective communities. These two hospitals are currently functioning without necessary facilities and the services provided cannot be maintained at an expected level. Under the proposed project it is expected to strengthen service delivery of these two hospitals by providing necessary facilities such as drugs stores, ward complexes, ICU, operating theatres, radiology units etc. Total cost of the both projects is estimated at Rs. 392 mn. Investment details in respect of two hospitals are given in Tables 5.12 and 5.13. Table 5.12 : Project Activities and Costs for Ashrof Memorial Hospital Table 5.13 : Project Activities and Costs for Base Hospital Kalmunai North Base Hospital, Akkaraipattu The hospital which caters to a large population is very old. Developments activities of the hospital were hampered in the recent past due to the conflict. A number of existing buildings in the hospital are in a dilapidated condition and need to be reconstructed. Investment requirements are given in Table 5.14 Table 5.14 Project Activities and Costs for Akkaraipattu Base Hospital (C )Development of Indigenous Medicine Facilities Details of the development of facilities to promote Indigenous Medicine are given in Table 5.15 Table 5.15 Activities and Costs for Development of Indigenous Medicine Investment Plan The Investment requirements for the development of the health sector during the Plan period are given in Table 5.16. Table 5.16 - Summary of Investment Plan for Health Sectors The total cost of the proposed new projects which are yet to commence is Rs. 5642 mn. while Rs. 300 mn. has been allocated in 2007 for on-going activities. About 20 percent of the total cost is expected to be financed by the Government of Sri Lanka while the remainder balance is expected from development partners. 5.3 Youth Affairs and Sports Situation and Issues Empowering youth and provision of sports and recreation opportunities for the people in the Eastern Province to display their talents at national level and at international level and to extend their cooperation among all ethnic groups and thereby bringing fame and prosperity to the motherland is vital for the development of sports sector. It will help the people to benefit from peaceful environment currently prevailing in the area. However, motivation as well facilities are not developed or widespread in the school system. There is a lack of sports facilities, especially in the rural areas of the Province. Programmes and Projects and Investment Plan On-going Programmes and Activities Table 5.17 -- On-going programmes to empower youth Proposed New Programmes and Projects The following development interventions have been identified in relation to youth affairs and sport sector in the medium-term 2008- 2010. Table 5.17 – Proposed New Programmes for Youth Development Proposed financing plan 5.4 Culture Situation and Issues Culture plays a major role in developing harmonious society. As lifestyle in the East is returning to normalcy it is important to open avenues for people live in harmony respecting different cultural settings in the area. Objectives Preserve and conserve heritage historic sites and ancient monuments. Promote literary, visual and performing arts including film industry and drama. Observe centenaries and anniversaries of important national personalities and events. Promote institutional and individual initiatives in the fields of arts and culture. Enter into cultural agreements with foreign countries. The functional spectrum of the Ministry ranges from creating cultural awareness from the village level to the international cultural exchange level. Strategy A number of strategically located cultural centers will be established will promote cultural activities in relation to the people living in the respective areas. Programmes and Projects and Investment Plan (A) Local Cultural Centres Cultural Centres are being established at Seruwila, Manmunai – North, Kantale, Kaththankudi, Padawi Sri Pura, Dehiattakandiya, Padiyatalawa, Akkraipattu, Sammanturai, Thirukkovil, Uhana, and Lahugala. (B) International Cultural Center at Thoppigala The proposed project will provide opportunity for community in Eastern Province to train and participate in cultural and religious activities thereby promoting peace and harmonious lifestyle. The project also aims to improve tourism activities in the area. (C) Declaration and Development of Eastern Cultural Zone The programme is to carry out a survey and identify important, historical archaeological sites, monuments and places which have not been identified yet under the Eastern Cultural Zone Programme and topromote the area as tourists attracted zone through conservation and preservation of historically important archaeological cites which were located in the Eastern Cultural Zone. Table 5.19 - Cost estimates for proposed development activities 2008 -2010 Financing Plan 5.5. National Heritage Conservation and preservation of ancient historical monuments and locations Financing Plan 5.5 Social Protection Objectives The protection of the rights of the economically and socially disadvantaged groups and improvement of their living conditions are given high priority. While providing relief assistance for such groups, measures will be taken to assist them in the improvement of their income avenues through self-employment activities. This approach enables the disadvantaged people namely disabled persons, senior citizens destitute women and other weaker groups to be active partners in the mainstream development. Programmes, Projects and Investment Plan (A) Distribution for Assistive Devices for Disabled Persons This includes provision of wheel chairs, crutches and elbow crutches, etc. to the physically disabled persons. The beneficiaries will be around 1,250 persons. (B) Provision of Housing Assistance for Disabled Persons Under this programme, each disabled person is eligible to obtain a grant assistance worth Rs. 100,000. The beneficiaries will be around 350 persons. (C) Provision of Self-employment for Disabled Persons The eligible persons are entitled to obtain grant assistance for the commencement of self-employment activities. The beneficiaries will be around 350 persons. (D) Medical Assistance for Disabled Persons The eligible persons are provided with assistance for medical treatment subject to maximum amount of Rs. 20,000. The number of beneficiaries identified for the plan period is around 250. (E) Payment of Monthly Allowance for Disabled Persons Each family having disabled members is qualified to obtain a monthly allowance of Rs. 3,000. The beneficiaries are selected using the set-out criteria developed by the Ministry of Social Services and Social Welfare. (F) Accessibility for Public Buildings This programme is to ensure easy accessibility of disabled persons to public buildings, and places. (G) Homes for Disabled Persons These homes are maintained by the Government for the benefit of disabled persons who do not have special attention from parents or custodians. (H) Homes for the Elderly These homes are for the destitute senior citizens. These homes are maintained by the Government and the eligible persons are selected by using specific criteria. (I) Special Programmes for Destitute Women The major areas covered by these programmes include home gardening, income generating activities, training programmes and awareness campaigns. (J) Homes for Separated/ Orphaned Children This programme is to provide residential facilities for destitute children in Children's Homes, maintained by the Government. Special criteria are used in the selection of children. (K) Special Programmes for Children Foster parent programmes, food and nutrition programmes, child protection and parental care and programmes focused on tsunami affected children are the major areas focussed on children. (L) Other Programmes These include issuing identity cards, establishment of day centres, provision of assistive devises and conducting awareness programmes for the elderly persons, programmes on protecting rights of the women and child friendly programmes. Table 5.20 – Investment Programme for Social Protection next page Human Settlements
- Introduction - Resettlement of IDPs - Productive Sectors - Economic Infrastructure - Social Infrastructure - Human Settlements - Public Institutions - Investment Plan