Teachers’ promotions to go ahead despite TU opposition: Ed.Min.
View(s):Education Minister Akila Viraj Kariyawasam Friday said they will go ahead with promoting the 1,018 teachers who were subject to political victimisation, despite Trade Union (TU) opposition. He said the teachers will be given only salary increases and change in Grades, contrary to TU claims, they will be placed in various positions, thereby affecting the structure.
He said the Ministry of Education (MoE) will not change its decision and is not afraid of TU threats. Minister Kariyawasam explained they will manage the forthcoming exams with the teachers available, and have no plans to delay the Advanced Level and Grade 5 exams. Examinations Dept Commissioner General B. Sarath Pujitha said they have not decided on any alterations to the forthcoming examinations and are proceeding with the preparations.
He said they will decide on the examination plans after discussing future TU actions. TUs this week called on teachers to keep away from schools, thereby crippling schools in various parts of the country. However, some Principals defied the call and conducted lessons, while some other schools were affected as teachers did not report to work, forcing those schools to close earlier than scheduled.
The 1,018 teachers due for relief, say some of them have been affected for more than 20 years, as they were unable to get their due promotions. The TU protests outside the MoE this week, ended in clashes, setting a bad example to schoolchildren. - Kasun Warakapitiya