Sri Lankan Ambassador to Qatar and noted educationist, Prof Dr. W M Karunadasa, has expressed his desire for the expansion of the Stafford Sri Lankan School Doha premises

“I appreciate Qatar government’s kind concern and gesture towards Sri Lankan children’s initial educational needs.

“The friendly country of Qatar allotted 10,000sqm of land in 2014 under the sponsorship of Sri Lankan Embassy.

“I will suggest the Board of Governors to look into the expansion of facilities to accommodate at least 1,000 more students in this only community school,” he said.

“Presently, we have around 1,000 students from our large community of 120,000 in Qatar.

“I have received  serious concerns of many parents over sending their children home as the school is full to its capacity and parents prefer their children to go for  Sri Lankan educational system,” the ambassador pointed out.

Prof. Dr. Karunadasa expressed his concern over divisions of families and increasing expenses of maintaining two homes.

On his reforms programme for the community’s welfare, he said: “Since we have a large workforce in Qatar, it is important to provide a place in the form of a cultural and welfare centre for the community.

“This will help them have a place for their constructive role in society. The centre will help groom and develop their personality and healthy activities during their free time.”

The ambassador reminded that the appointment of a supreme council from the existing 30 community forums is in line with the current reforms for the betterment of the  community.  

“We are in contact with authorities back home and in Qatar for a community cultural and welfare centre,” he added.

(The Peninsula)