Teachers in the election fray flout law by drawing salaries: Trade Union

By B.G.Chaturanga 

Ceylon Teacher Union said several employees of the  Education Department contesting the Local Government election have  obtained their April salary, which is a violation of the election law and  the Establishment Code.   

President of the Ceylon Teachers Union Priyantha Fernando  told the media in Anuradhapura that more than 400 employees in the  Education Department, including principals, teachers, teacher  consultants, and members of non-academic staff, are contesting the  Local Government election.   

He pointed out that any staff grade officer contesting the  election under the election law should resign from the post, and others  obtain no-pay leave, but 90 per cent of those contesting the local  government election have violated this requirement. He said only six out  of 48 teachers contesting the local government in the North Central  Province alone have obtained no-pay leave.

The Trade Union leader said the principals, the teachers, and  other employees contesting the election without obtaining no-pay leave  have drawn their salary for April from their bank accounts.

However, Anuradhapura District Secretary and Returning  Officer Ranjith Wimalasuriya said any officer contesting the election  without obtaining no-pay leave and drawing his salary is an  irregularity. He pointed out that the candidature of anyone who violates  this requirement is liable for cancellation. The individuals who had  drawn their salary, if any, should return it immediately to avoid  disciplinary action.