In a recent parliamentary session on the 24th, Rohini Kaviratne, Member of Parliament from the Matale district representing the SJB, voiced her concern about the recruitment of teachers and its impact on education quality. She lamented the inability to hire teachers despite available funds within Provincial Councils.
Kaviratne noted that although a Cabinet paper was issued to facilitate teacher recruitment by Provincial Councils, the execution of this plan has encountered difficulties. She emphasized the urgency of addressing this issue, as time lost in the education of children cannot be regained.
Highlighting the repercussions of prolonged legal battles against the hiring of principals and teachers, the MP stressed the critical role that teachers play in students’ academic development. She expressed concern for the children who have missed out on school for two years due to various disruptions, asserting that their education has been severely affected.
Kaviratne questioned the prioritization of salary cuts for educators compared to other officials within the Ministry. She also criticized a circular issued by the Central Province’s Director of Education, which suspended salary increases for principals if Ordinary Level exam results were low. She called on the Education Minister to promptly address this issue.
With 5,878 teacher vacancies in the Central Province alone, the MP shed light on the challenges faced by schools in maintaining high educational standards. She pointed out that achieving the expected results in O/L and Advanced Level exams becomes increasingly difficult when teacher vacancies remain unfilled.
Furthermore, Kaviratne raised concerns about the complex set of responsibilities shouldered by principals and teachers, beyond simply improving exam results. She stressed that educational goals should be pursued collectively by teachers, principals, Ministry officials, and the Minister for Education. Collaboration and focus on comprehensive development were deemed crucial to ensure the overall betterment of the education system.
