Standard procedures not carried out against fraudulent principal, says CTU
View(s):The Education Ministry has given special privileges to a principal of a popular Colombo school despite allegations of irregularities in last year’s Grade One student admissions, the Ceylon Teachers Union said last week.
Despite the principal being charged for 15 offences and a committee appointed to investigate the matter by the Education Service Commission (ESC), the principal of the leading girls’ school in Colombo 04, continued to remain as principal and conduct the school affairs.
The principal had been charged with disrespect to the Government when recruiting students to Grade One, in 2019. The charges include failure to follow guidelines set out by the Education Department when admitting students to Grade One, including failure to cut off points for schools closer to residence of prospective students and not checking the electoral registry and NICs of parents.
CTU General Secretary Joseph Stalin said it is unethical for the principal to remain in the position while the charges are being probed, as all documents pertaining to the allegations are within her access. Also witnesses to the inquiry, will be debarred from giving evidence against their superior.
“This is unprecedented and will only dilute the progress of the inquiries,” he said.
Meanwhile it is alleged the principal had used her influence and removed the officer assigned to investigate the charges.
The principal will dare to continue with her irregular activities in the 2021 Grade One admission procedures also, the CTU said.
The CTU demanded the principal be immediately transferred from the school and an impartial inquiry be carried out, as done in such cases.
“The Government should take immediate action in this regard before further irregularities are carried out in those in high positions,” Mr Stalin said.
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