Schools asking parents for money in many ways: CTU

Says schools are now using class parent groups to collect extra money for things like repairing classrooms, painting, notice boards, smart boards, and other equipment

Schools are becoming stricter and parents are being asked to pay several times during the year

Calls it a new way of making parents pay more with the approval of school authorities

The Ceylon Teachers’ Union (CTU) has criticized schools for still collecting money from parents, calling it “very stressful” and accusing the Education Ministry of not enforcing its rules. CTU General Secretary Joseph Stalin said schools are asking parents for money in many ways, even though the Ministry has said fund collection is not allowed.  

“Schools are becoming stricter and parents are being asked to pay several times during the year,” he said.   

The issue is linked to Circular 5/2015, which allows schools to calculate maintenance costs and collect a fixed amount per student. But the CTU says schools are now using class parent groups to collect extra money for things like repairing classrooms, painting, notice boards, smart boards, and other equipment. Stalin called this a new way of making parents pay more with the approval of school authorities.   

The union is asking the Ministry to cancel Circular 5/2015 and issue a clear rule that stops schools from collecting money without permission. CTU also raised concerns that some schools keep large amounts of money in bank deposits while still asking parents for more fees. “Why are parents paying repeatedly when schools already have money? This is wrong,” Joseph said.   

The CTU also warned that some schools have accounts outside official School Development Society accounts, making it hard to track how the money is used.The union wants urgent action to stop these hidden school fees and protect parents from financial stress.