• Teacher exam application age limit cap to be extended

In the wake of opposition to the new circular on the water usage in schools, the Ministry of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education stated that there would be no change in the decision that the Government will bear only a portion of school water tariffs.

Speaking to The Daily Morning, Ministry Secretary Nalaka Kaluwewa noted that the Government continues to pay for the amount of water required for student consumption, which is shown separately on the water bill. However, he said that any usage beyond that – listed under “extra consumption” – must be borne by the schools themselves. 

“Until 2021 or 2022, schools were provided water free of charge, with the National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) not levying any fee. Charges were introduced only recently. It is not feasible for the Government to bear the full cost. There will not be a change in the recent decision. When schools also have to bear a portion of the cost, they will consume water more economically,” he said.

The Ceylon Teachers’ Union (CTU) recently expressed opposition to the move. Quoting the circular, CTU General Secretary Joseph Stalin said that schools have been informed that the Government would cover the cost of water only up to an average of 20 litres per schoolchild per day, with any excess to be paid by the schools. He stressed that water in schools is not limited to drinking, but also used for watering plants, cleaning, and hygiene-related needs. He added that while the Union agrees that water should be used sparingly and not wasted, the move would however be “a huge issue for schoolchildren” and therefore urged the Government to withdraw the circular. 

Graduate teachers 

Meanwhile, the legal proceedings of four cases under review by the Supreme Court, which have been the primary reason for the delay in recruiting unemployed graduates as teachers are now reaching their final stage, according to the Minister of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Training, and Prime Minister, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya. 

Accordingly, the Premier stated that once the Court proceedings conclude, steps will be taken to issue the relevant Gazette notification, thereby paving the way for graduates to apply for the teacher recruitment examination without further delay. 

She made these remarks during a discussion held at the ministry with representatives of the Joint Unemployed Graduates Association. Dr. Amarasuriya further noted that the necessary steps are already being taken to proceed with other graduate recruitment processes, in line with the Cabinet of Ministers approvals already granted. 

Additionally, it was agreed during the discussion to amend the age limit for applying for the teacher examination by extending the current age cap. There was also a mutual understanding to expedite the recruitment process to fill all existing teacher vacancies promptly, according to the statement issued by the Office of the Prime Minister.