Responding to a question raised by UNP National List MP Anoma Gamage, the minister said that the salaries of the pre-school teachers were paid by the provincial councils.

The Ministry of Economic Development had commenced negotiations with the Provincial Ministers to facilitate for a special training programme for the matrons of early childhood development centres and teachers of the pre-schools country wide. Currently the pre-school teachers had been provided with the opportunity to obtain training from the training centres set up under each provincial council, the minister added. (Special Reporter/HC)