Teachers’ unions oppose moves to make school education an essential service

Teachers’ unions strongly opposed the statement made by President Ranil Wickremesinghe that students are held hostage by various groups, and moves to make school education an essential service.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe, addressing the national textbook and uniform material distribution ceremony on Thursday (23), said students will not be allowed to be held hostage by various groups. The President said a Bill to classify schools as an essential service will be submitted to Parliament if issues are not resolved through discussions.

Ceylon Teachers’ Union, General Secretary, Joseph Stalin charged that the Government’s intention was to silence trade unions representing teachers and principals instead of resolving their issues.

“Instead of focusing on making schools an essential service, the Government should focus on continuously providing healthy meals to schoolchildren who are suffering as a result of the economic crisis. The printing of textbooks is through the Indian credit line and uniform material is donated by China. The Government should be able to take the responsibility of providing all facilities for schoolchildren,” he added.

“Parents can’t afford stationery for children and cannot bear the transport cost. Students are not attending schools as parents are burdened by the increased cost of living. Students are held hostage by the Government, not various groups. We are voicing the rights of students as well as education sector employees,” said Ceylon Teacher Services Union, General Secretary, Mahinda Jayasinghe.

He said letters have been sent by Provincial Directors of Education to all Zonal Directors to hold uniform material and textbook distribution ceremonies with the participation of district committee members.

“Students who were sitting for exams were forced to participate in band rehearsals to welcome guests at these distribution ceremonies. This is violating their right to education,” Mr Jayasinghe said.