Mr. Ranil Wickramasinghe emphasizes that for the sake of the education of the country’s children, teachers must stay in the schools in the morning, and if this does not happen in the future and if the school children are deprived of their education, necessary steps will be taken to make it an essential service.
He said this today (27th) during the visit of Most Venerable Warakagoda Sri Gnanarathana Mahanayake Thero, the Maha Nayaka of the Asgiriya Chapter.
The President said that teachers and principals should act as role models for the children and work for the children’s future. He also mentioned that in the future, when some teachers join the agitations and strikes, attention should be paid to the extent to which they have the ability to give advice and advice to the children.
Stating that this crisis is not a crisis that has arisen in the entire teaching profession, the President stated that he has received information that only certain teachers with political leanings are involved in it, and that the entire teaching profession has been damaged because of one group.
Also pointing out that this situation is only seen in Sinhalese schools, the President appreciated the commitment of Tamil, Muslim and private schools to continue education for children.
President Ranil Wickramasinghe further stated that information has been reported that the guards of the school are diverting the children and the Inspector General of Police has been instructed to implement the law in relation to such incidents.
“Teachers will be provided with the necessary means to increase their salaries again next year, and we have already communicated this to them. Before proceeding with the salary increments for teachers, we must also consider adjusting the salaries of other government officials. In 2022, teachers experienced salary increases ranging from LKR 3,000 to 17,000. On average, this equates to about six to seven thousand rupees. Additionally, this year they received an additional LKR 10,000 increase, resulting in total raises ranging from LKR 13,000 to 27,000 for teachers. Hence, the salaries of other government officials need to be deliberated upon accordingly.
Currently, Tamil and Muslim schools are operational, whereas only Sinhala schools engage in such trade union actions. This matter has garnered the Cabinet’s attention, leading to plans to implement a unified approach to increase government officials’ salaries starting from 2025. A committee has been tasked with studying and recommending appropriate measures in this regard.” He further said.
