President Ranil Wickremesinghe says no one would be permitted to disrupt school education between 7:30 am and 1:30 pm and that the Attorney General has been directed to consider further measures to ensure this.
The President further said it is imperative that the education of children is not hindered by school closures or strikes, emphasizing that actions must be taken with future generations in mind.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe stressed the importance of those entering the teaching profession dedicating themselves to the future generation, noting that education in a country cannot thrive without discipline.
“Recently, teachers went on strike, abandoning classrooms to protest at the Colombo Fort railway station. University students and others joined, demonstrating and attempting to reach the Presidential Secretariat, even amidst tear gas. While protests are not new, such actions do not befit the honourable teaching profession.
“In the past, teachers on strike would still teach without signing attendance books, or they might wear a black armband while continuing their duties, as seen in some countries. However, the most recent strike was entirely different.
This situation did not occur in Tamil and Muslim schools, where educational activities for children continued. Similarly, international schools and private schools maintained their educational activities effectively,” he said.
The President pointed out that, however, Sinhala-medium schools had to face disruptions and that children from rural areas attend these schools.
“I question whether this is also a responsibility of the teaching profession. Teachers of Tamil and Muslim schools recognized the importance of education. When Sinhala-medium schools in places like Nuwara Eliya were disrupted, education continued in Tamil-medium schools. Such disparities should not exist in our country.
“In certain schools, teachers faced threats preventing them from attending. People fault the government for its lack of action and accuse the opposition of backing such incidents. This situation is troubling,” he said.
Stating that today’s schools must uphold discipline, the President said strikes in schools are detrimental and unjustified.
“In 2022, under President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s administration, the only salary increase was for teachers. This year, we provided a stipend of Rs. 10,000 for all government employees. Given the country’s economic situation, further increases were not feasible. Some trade unions have requested a revision and additional salary increases, which is surprising considering teachers have already received two salary increments,” he said.
Requesting that everyone prioritize children’s education, President Ranil Wickremesinghe also asked the opposition not to support acts of sabotage.
The President further said that he has discussed with the Minister of Education the future process of teacher transfers and promotions through an online system, emphasizing that no one will face injustice in these matters.
The President made these remarks while attending a ceremony at Temple Trees today (July 03), where appointments were awarded to officers of the Education Administrative Service, as well as teaching appointments to graduates and diploma holders.
Appointments were granted to 60 individuals approved by the Education Service Committee of the Public Service Commission, and teaching positions were awarded to 1,706 graduates and 453 English diploma holders.
President’s full statement: https://pmd.gov.lk/news/teaching-profession-calls-for-dedication-to-future-generations/ (Newswire)