A dispute has emerged between the Education Ministry and the Ceylon Teachers’ Union (CTU) over the issue of schools collecting money from parents, with the union alleging that existing circulars effectively permit the practice despite official assurances to the contrary.

The controversy follows the Ministry’s recent statement that there is no need to issue a new circular to prevent schools from collecting funds from parents. However, the CTU claims that two circulars issued in 2023 continue to provide official sanction for schools to raise money under specific categories.

Speaking to The Daily Morning yesterday (3), CTU President Priyantha Fernando said that the circulars in question relate to the provision and maintenance of physical resources in schools and service-related costs.

“Although the Government allocates funds for these purposes, the circulars require schools to cover the balance by collecting money from parents,” he said.

Fernando explained that under the existing framework, schools are permitted to raise funds through school development committees and other approved mechanisms. According to him, this has resulted in parents in certain schools being compelled to spend between Rs. 25,000 and Rs. 30,000 per child annually.

“When all categories of payments are taken into account, parents in some schools end up paying substantial amounts each year. Certain circulars themselves have allowed this practice. They have not restricted the collection of money. Instead, they provide official cover for it,” he alleged.

The union’s claims come amid growing public concern over the financial burden placed on families, particularly at a time when many households are still grappling with economic pressures.

However, the Education Ministry maintains that the current circulars clearly regulate fund collection and that there is no immediate requirement to introduce fresh guidelines.