Tradition of high-quality education in Jaffna should be restored: President

Highlighting that education in Jaffna has been of high quality in the  past, President Ranil Wickremesinghe, highlighted the importance of  restoring and preserving this tradition.

The President made this remark at a ceremony held to give appointments to new teachers in the district over the weekend.

He  cautioned against teachers engaging in protests that may undermine  their professional image and urged them to uphold their dignity.

The  ceremony, which took place at the Jaffna Thanthai Selva Auditorium, saw  the appointment of 375 teachers in the Northern Province.

“To all  of you receiving teacher appointments today, you are embarking on a  significant responsibility. You are entrusted with shaping the future of  children within classrooms comprising 35–40 students. 

The course of  these children’s lives is heavily influenced by your guidance. Failure  to uphold this responsibility renders one unsuitable for the teaching  profession.

Jaffna teachers have historically been in demand both  nationally and internationally. They have demonstrated unwavering  commitment to fulfilling their duties. Even at prestigious institutions  like Royal College, Colombo, where I received my education, Jaffna  teachers were recognized for their exceptional dedication. Their legacy  continues to resonate in society, underscoring their exemplary practices  that serve as a benchmark for educators nationwide.

The  development of Jaffna owes much to its steadfast commitment to  education, with certain schools garnering global renown. For instance,  Hartley College students have showcased their talents on prestigious  platforms like Oxford University, underscoring the calibre of education  in the region.

I urge you to embrace this noble profession with  the same fervour and dedication. Joining the ranks of Jaffna’s esteemed  educators is not merely a career choice but a commitment to shaping  lives and contributing to the broader landscape of education.

As  educators, it is imperative that you serve as exemplary figures within  the teaching profession. Engaging in public demonstrations or shouting  slogans on the streets may compromise your credibility in the eyes of  students. Therefore, it is essential that you fulfil your  responsibilities with diligence and professionalism. It is  incumbent upon us to strive towards reinstating Jaffna’s education  system to its former glory and beyond, aiming for international  standards of excellence.

I propose that the governor engage in  comprehensive consultations with all relevant stakeholders, including  representatives from northern councils and universities, to devise a  plan aimed at restoring Jaffna’s school system to its former  international standards. It is imperative to recognize that providing  education solely in Tamil and Sinhala is insufficient; English  proficiency must also be prioritized for children. To achieve this, the  recruitment of qualified teachers is essential. Although this endeavour  may span a period of 10-15 years, proactive measures must commence  without delay.

Reflecting on the past, Jaffna boasted a  commendable school system. Notably, former speaker Mr. K.B. Ratnayake  received his education at Hartley College, exemplifying the quality of  education prevalent at the time. However, the onset of war led to the  departure of many teachers, resulting in a decline in the standards of  education within the region.