• FUTA disgruntled by lack of facility constructions 

The Ceylon Teachers’ Union (CTU) has criticised the 2027 Budget for failing to introduce a dedicated programme to develop small rural schools, warning that the proposed education reforms cannot be effectively implemented without addressing existing infrastructure and resource shortages.

Speaking to The Daily Morning, CTU President Priyantha Fernando said successive Governments had introduced targeted programmes to develop small rural schools, but no similar allocations had been made in the latest Budget.

He questioned the practicality of introducing reforms without first preparing classrooms and other facilities to support them.

“ The new reforms for Grade One students have already been introduced, while reforms for Grades Two to Six will begin in 2027. Yet, these students are still in the same old classrooms, which aren’t ready for this transformation. Obviously, we need reforms, but classrooms must first be equipped to facilitate them,” he said.

Fernando noted that although the Government planned to establish 300 smart classrooms in 2027, more than 10,000 classrooms catered to students from Grades One to Six. He said education development required comprehensive programmes to address infrastructure and resource shortages rather than isolated projects.

He also highlighted the teacher shortage, saying there were around 46,000 vacancies, which were expected to rise to 56,000 next year. The proposed recruitment of 23,000 teachers in 2027 would therefore be insufficient.

The Budget has allocated Rs. 35,000 million for digitalisation, teacher capacity development and school infrastructure. However, Fernando questioned whether the funds would be utilised, noting that around 65% of allocations made in 2025 had remained unspent, while only around 30% of the 2026 allocations had been spent so far.

Meanwhile, Federation of University Teachers’ Associations (FUTA) Secretary Prof. Anura Wanninayaka said the Budget had failed to adequately address infrastructure and facilities in the university system.

He said allocations appeared insufficient, with the Government prioritising assessments and planning in 2027 instead of proceeding with construction. The Budget has allocated Rs. 2,250 million for assessment studies and planning for identified university projects, including study buildings and laboratories, with construction expected to begin in 2028.

Prof. Wanninayaka said delaying action by another year was problematic, particularly as university academics were already leaving the country. He also said the increased Value Added Tax concession limit for university academics remained inadequate given the prevailing cost of living.