With the intervention of the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL), the issues pertaining to the appointment and transfer of principals in the North-Western Province (NWP) have been resolved, stated the Ceylon Principals’ Union (CPU).

The CPU had recently filed a complaint with the HRCSL regarding the alleged appointment and transfer of principals in the NWP based on the wishes of politicians, without following the procedure adopted by the relevant Provincial Council in 2010.

Speaking to The Daily Morning, the CPU General Secretary Piyasiri Fernando said that the relevant issues have been resolved with the HRCSL’s intervention. “Following our complaint with the HRCSL, the Provincial authorities including the Provincial Education Secretary took steps to establish transfer boards. Through them, more than 600 principals who have served in the same school for eight years or more, and Assistant and Deputy Principals who have served in the same school for six years or more have been transferred. These transfers will be effective from January of next year.”

The CPU had lodged a complaint with the HRCSL and sought their intervention to formalise the related procedures without political interference. They had named the Secretary to the Governor of the Province, the Provincial Education Secretary, and the Directors of eight Zonal Education Divisions in the Province as respondents. The HRCSL had then called for a report from the relevant officials on the basis on which the appointments and transfers of principals were being made at the time.