Teachers do have issues-Dr. Ramesh Pathirana admits

By Sandun A Jayasekera  

 There are many salary grievances and issues pertaining to promotions among government teachers and principals, Co- Cabinet Spokesman- Plantation Minister Dr. Ramesh Pathirana admitted.

However, he said that this was not the time to demand a salary increase as the government was in a major economic crisis.  

Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and Education Minister Prof. G.L.Peries were scheduled to explain this situation to teachers unions last morning and also to give an assurance that all their demands would be met and salary increments given that had been due from 1994, from the 2022 Budget.  

“Yes, we admit that there are many a grievance among teachers and principals. But this is not the time to address them as the government has confronted a huge economic melt-down as a result of the Covid- 19 pandemic. However, the government is ready to meet all the demands from the 2022 budget. I appeal to all teachers and principals with respect, not to put 4.3 million innocent students in difficulties and to promptly start the online education by giving up trade union action,” Minister Dr. Pathirana said.  

He pointed out that the teachers’ trade union action had not affected the urban students or those who attended private or international schools but only semi urban and the rural- level students. 

• the government has confronted a huge economic melt-down as a result of the Covid- 19 pandemic