The Ceylon Teachers Service Union says the Ministry of Education has no urgent need to resolve teacher principal issues related to salary anomalies.
Chief Secretary of the Union Mahinda Jayasinghe speaking at a media briefing yesterday said, although the Ministry must intervene significantly to restore children’s education such an intervention cannot be witnessed at present.
Today marks the 92nd day of the ongoing trade union action by teachers and principals trade unions, demanding the government to eliminate salary anomalies.
Although several rounds of talks have been held with government representatives on several occasions, an agreement is yet to be reached.
A special discussion was planned between representatives of teachers and principals trade unions and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa this morning.
However, the Office of the Prime Minister yesterday informed union representatives that the discussion will have to be postponed.
However, Chief Secretary of the Ceylon Teachers Service Union Mahinda Jayasinghe raised doubts over the involvement of the Ministry of Education in the postponement of the discussions.
He charged the Ministry of a lack of interest in solving their grievances, adding that more than 40 days have lapsed since a Cabinet decision was reached on the 30th of August pertaining to salary anomalies.
Jayasinghe noted discussions were held with the Secretary of the Education Ministry on the 16th of September and the subject Minister on the 4th of October but to no avail.
He claimed the Education Ministry has a greater responsibility in solving the present crisis, if they are genuinely concerned for the future of children.
