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Majority of teachers partially vaccinated

02 Aug 2021

  • 83% of teachers and school staff islandwide, 97% in WP
  • G.L. requests teachers to prepare for schools reopening
By Buddhika Samaraweera Minister of Education Prof. G.L. Peiris yesterday (2) stated that 83% of the total number of teachers and non-academic staff members of schools in the country have been given the first dose of a Covid-19 vaccine, and requested teachers to prepare for the reopening of schools in the near future. According to Prof. Peiris, 97% of teachers and non-academic staff had been vaccinated against Covid-19 in the Western Province as of yesterday morning, which is the highest percentage in any province. In addition, 95% of the teachers and non-academic staff members in the Uva Province, 84% in the Central and North Western Provinces, 83% in the North Central and Southern Provinces, 82% in the Northern Province, 74% in the Eastern Province, and 52% in the Sabaragamuwa Province have been provided with the first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine. Speaking at a media briefing in Colombo yesterday, Prof. Peiris further said that by the end of August, teachers would be given the second dose of the Covid-19 vaccine. Noting that it is expected to reopen schools following the health recommendations after the vaccination, Prof. Peiris requested the teachers and non-academic staff members to prepare for the reopening of schools, and to report for duty at schools. Sri Lankan authorities on 12 June commenced administering the Sinopharm Covid-19 vaccine to teachers and school staff across the country, with the aim to reopen schools as soon as possible. Accordingly, arrangements had been made to vaccinate all school employees of 10,155 schools in the country under this programme. However, despite the circular issued by the Education Ministry on 1 August, requiring all academic and non-academic staff to report for duty, teachers’ and principals’ trade unions have decided not to report for duty until their issues, including the teacher-principal salary anomaly, are resolved. The Government recently decided to call all public servants for regular services from yesterday, in adherence to the health guidelines. According to the President’s Media Division (PMD), President’s Secretary Dr. P.B. Jayasundera had informed Secretary to the Ministry of Public Services, Provincial Councils, and Local Government J.J. Rathnasiri of this, and also about all circulars issued limiting the workforce and encouraging public servants to work from home being cancelled.


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