- Alleges intimidation over school visits in Delft
The Ceylon Teachers’ Union (CTU) has warned that it will initiate legal action if the Northern Province Education Director continues to issue letters allegedly intended to intimidate its members following visits to schools in the Delft (Neduntheevu) Education Division.
In a letter to the Director, the Union condemned what it described as threatening actions against its members following a letter dated 9 September, bearing reference No. NP/20/Edu.Adm/Inq/2026, concerning visits by CTU representatives to schools in the Division.
A delegation led by CTU General Secretary Joseph Stalin had recently visited schools in Delft to assess the difficulties faced by teachers and principals serving in the island region.
Identifying itself as a registered trade union under registration No. 984, the CTU said the Director’s actions violated Sections 26 and 27 of the Trade Unions Ordinance and other legislation governing trade union rights and responsibilities.
The Union accused provincial education authorities of neglecting the longstanding grievances of teachers and principals serving in remote islands, including the suspension of hardship and additional hardship allowances for those working in difficult conditions.
According to the letter, it was only after the Union conducted field visits and highlighted the situation through the media that the authorities decided to provide a risk allowance to some principals and teachers serving on the islands, despite the dangers associated with sea transport.
The CTU also questioned the failure to increase allocations for school meal programmes despite rising commodity prices and logistical difficulties caused by irregular maritime transport. It said the authorities had failed to adequately consider the nutritional needs of students in the island region.
The Union said its visits were intended to highlight the challenges faced by principals, teachers and students due to what it described as poor administration by provincial education authorities.
However, it alleged that subsequent actions by the Director, including communications to Delft school principals and principals of schools where CTU members work, were intimidating, undemocratic, authoritarian and unlawful, with alleged political overtones.
The CTU warned that continued interference with legitimate trade union activities would leave it with no alternative but to seek legal remedies.