Teachers, Principals threaten strike over longer school hours

By Chaturanga Pradeep Samarawickrama

Teachers and principals’ unions have strongly opposed the government’s plan to extend school hours by 30 minutes under new education reforms set to be implemented in 2026. Speaking at a media briefing in Colombo, union representatives warned that if the government does not revise the proposed school hours by November 7, they will launch a one-day strike at the start of the new school term.  
Sri Lanka Teachers’ Union General Secretary Joseph Stalin criticized the reforms, alleging that they are being implemented arbitrarily by individuals at the National Institute of Education who lack relevant qualifications.  
“Recently, we obtained the educational certificates of the heads of institutions and found that the heads of the Mathematics and Science departments hold Arts degrees. These individuals were also former members of the election committees of the National People’s Power,” he said.