July 16, Colombo (LNW): The government is preparing to introduce a subject-focused teacher recruitment programme aimed at addressing critical shortages in schools, Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government Minister Prof. Chandana Abayaratne has announced.
Speaking at the opening of a newly constructed classroom building at Karukkumaduwa Junior School in Anamaduwa, the Minister said the revised recruitment approach would prioritise subjects where vacancies remain most acute, including Mathematics and other key academic areas.
Prof. Abayaratne said plans are underway to recruit 30,000 teachers before the end of the year, pointing out that a formal recruitment process for the teaching service has not been carried out since 2021.
He explained that the necessary financial allocations and administrative approvals for the recruitment drive have already been obtained. The Minister added that approximately 180,000 candidates, including university graduates, participated in the competitive examination held in May, with the evaluation of answer scripts now reaching its final stages.
According to the Minister, recruiting teachers according to specific subject requirements will enable schools to receive suitably qualified educators and reduce disparities caused by uneven teacher distribution.
He also noted that attention would be given to resolving long-standing concerns within the Principal Service as part of broader reforms in the education sector.
During the event, Prof. Abayaratne pledged support to enhance library facilities at Karukkumaduwa Junior School and expand the Ministry’s “Mobile Library” initiative to benefit more communities.
The Minister further urged citizens to contribute towards national efforts to tackle social challenges such as drug abuse and dengue, emphasising that government programmes alone cannot succeed without active public cooperation.