All the schools should be under Education Ministry-Ven. Omalpe Sobitha Thero

COLOMBO (News 1st) -  Several political figures shared their thoughts on Arabic schools in the country. Minister of Postal Services and Muslim Religious Affairs, Abdel-Haleem revealed that at present, approximately 317 Arabic schools operate islandwide. He noted that most of these schools were established through private motions by MPs for parliamentary approval. He noted that according to a Gazette he has ascertained that the schools have the common goal of breeding theologians to guide society through the principles of Sharia law. Akila Viraj Kariyawasam, Minister of Education stated that the institutes fell under the purview of Ministry of Muslim Affairs. He noted that the procedures for approval were the same as the previous government. Prof. Ashu Marasinghe, Chairman of the sub-committee on higher education, the ministry of Muslim Affairs has already formulated approximately 90% of the provisions required including a regulation on what is to be taught following close scrutiny on Madrasas' curriculum in Bangladesh. The chairman noted that both the prime minister and MP Mujiber Rahman are enthusiastically working on the matter. He went on to note that the government along with the Muslim politicians are currently working on a strategy to implement an amicable atmosphere to teach Islam in the country. Venerable Omalpe Sobitha Thero noted that these Islamic educational institutes must come under the purview of Education Ministry as it was vital to be monitored by a government regulatory system.