The Ceylon Teachers’ Union has strongly opposed the circular issued by the Secretary of Education Prof. Kapila Perera to allow students into schools in groups when schools reopen on Monday.
Chief Secretary Joseph Stalin speaking at a media briefing today said authorities took steps to bring in all students to school at the height of the coronavirus pandemic.
He said according to the circular, in the event a classroom has more than 20 students, they should be brought in, in two groups, and if more than 40 students, the groups should be broken down to three.
Stalin questioned the basis of limiting the number of students entering schools and questioned if health authorities were consulted prior to reaching such a decision.
He also charged that tuition classes are however held at full capacity.
Stalin on a separate note said the operation of school vans has also become a concern owing to the shortage of fuel.
He said 4.3 million students will be severely inconvenienced when schools reopen on the 7th.
Stalin questioned how students will reach schools with the existing fuel shortage and engage in studies amidst power cuts.
He charged that the government lacks a plan to address the fuel shortage and has no economic plan either.
