Cabinet Spokesman Minister Keheliya Rambukwella says Minister of Education Prof. GL Peiris will inform teacher and principal trade unions of the government’s stance, that wages cannot be increased.
Speaking at the weekly Cabinet media briefing, the Minister said under ordinary circumstances teachers grievances would have been resolved, adding that owing to the coronavirus, economically the country is facing a difficult fate.
While acknowledging that teachers are learned persons, the Minister urged protesting teachers and principals to rethink the decision to protest.
He charged that a select group of persons are instigating protests on the whims of destitute political parties.
Meanwhile Co-Cabinet Spokesman Minister Ramesh Pathirana said teachers engaged in the strike action will not be considered as having vacated their posts.
The Minister said their grievances will be addressed when the country is economically stable.
