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TUs accuse Education Ministry of intimidation tactics

13 Sep 2021

  • Demands immediate withdrawal of letter by Ministry Secretary 
  • Letter stated principals should take responsibility for students missing exams
By Buddhika Samaraweera Several trade unions have demanded the immediate withdrawal of a letter sent by the Education Ministry Secretary regarding the submission of examination applications, claiming it was an attempt to intimidate principals involved in ongoing trade union (TU) action. In a letter dated 7 September 2021, Education Ministry Secretary Prof. Kapila Perera had directed all Provincial, Zonal, and Divisional Directors of Education, as well as principals islandwide, to submit the applications for the General Certificate of Education (GCE) Advanced Level (A/L) and Grade Five Scholarship Examinations before 15 September 2021. The letter further read that if any student would be unable to sit for the examination due to a delay in sending applications, the relevant principal should take responsibility for it. Accordingly, in a letter to Prof. Perera, the representatives of 16 teachers’ and principals’ TUs have charged that the relevant letter is a form of coercion against the ongoing trade union action, and also an attempt to intimidate the principals involved. “Since 12 July 2021, all teachers and principals have engaged in continuous trade union actions demanding the Government to solve our issues, including the salary anomalies. The teachers’ and principals’ trade union representatives have informed you (Prof. Perera) in writing of all these trade union actions. The withdrawal from duties related to sending applications for the A/L and Scholarship examinations is also part of the trade union action,” the letter sent by trade unions read. It added that it was unfortunate that attempts were being made this way to intimidate those involved, instead of addressing their issues. In the letter, they requested an acceptable solution to their issues, and further emphasised that they would not give up any trade union action implemented thus far, until this is achieved. The letter was signed by Ceylon Teachers’ Union (CTU) General Secretary Joseph Stalin, Ceylon Teachers’ Services Union (CTSU) General Secretary Mahinda Jayasinghe, All-Ceylon United Teachers’ Union Secretary Ven. Yalwela Pagngnasekara Thera, and representatives of 13 other teachers’ and principals’ trade unions. Education Minister Dinesh Gunawardena and Prof. Perera were unavailable for comment on the matter.  


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