Teachers’ Union questions appointment to education reform panel due to allegations

Colombo, May 19 (Daily Mirror) - The Ceylon Teachers’ Union (CTU) has called for an immediate investigation into the appointment of Acting Director of the Meepe Educational Leadership and Development Centre, Dumina Lellopitiya, to a sub-committee under the National Steering Committee for Education Reforms.

In a statement to the Secretary of the Ministry of Education, the union raised concerns over the inclusion of the official in a key education reform body while allegations of corruption and financial irregularities linked to her previous administrative roles remain unresolved.

The CTU pointed to documents citing a National Audit Office report issued on May 31, 2024, which allegedly identified several irregularities involving the officer. It also noted that the Audit Office had separately instructed the Director General of the National Institute of Education to report on action taken regarding the allegations.

Further, the union said the Chief Internal Auditor of the Ministry of Education had previously recommended disciplinary action over alleged misuse of public funds and procedural violations.

According to the statement, a preliminary investigation report issued in July 2024 had also found the officer responsible for several alleged offences.

The CTU questioned the decision-making process behind the appointment, arguing that placing an official facing unresolved disciplinary issues into a national education reform mechanism raises serious concerns over governance and accountability.

The union has urged authorities to review the appointment, expedite ongoing investigations, and implement any pending disciplinary measures in accordance with existing recommendations.