July 01, Colombo (LNW): The Teachers and Principals Alliance has resolved to hold protests outside schools today (01), in response to the President’s threats rather than addressing issues in the education system, according to Ceylon Teachers’ Union (CTU) General Secretary Joseph Stalin.
Speaking to the media, Stalin mentioned that teachers and principals had conducted a sick leave campaign and a protest at Colombo Fort on June 26.
“Regrettably, the government attacked us. Consequently, we continued our sick leave campaign on June 27.
“Now, we have decided to display black banners and flags outside every school to demonstrate our opposition to the government,” Stalin said.
Another protest is planned for Tuesday after school hours to challenge the President’s statement, demand solutions for issues affecting teachers and principals, and oppose the government’s decision to transfer the financial burden of school education to parents.
“Next Friday (05), the Teachers and Principals Alliance will hold a joint discussion with all government and private trade unions regarding the President’s threats. This government’s actions must be stopped,” Stalin noted.
He went on: “We denounce the methods employed by Zonal Education Directors and Governors to suppress the strikes by teachers and principals. Regardless of what happens, we will persist until our demands are met. The President’s statements hold no significance for us”.
