MP Gevidu Cumaratunga urges teachers to care for public health first

6 August 2021 01:05 am Views - 1232

Government MP Gevidu Cumaratunga who spearheads the civil society movement called ‘Yuthukama organization’ urged teachers who are on trade union action to be mindful of the challenging pandemic situation of the country and refrain from mass demonstrations in the greater good of public health.

Making his remarks to the media, MP Cumaratunga said the government had agreed in principle that the long-standing salary anomalies of school teachers and principals should be rectified. He said the government had even announced it in its manifesto specifically, but this was not the time for public protests and demonstrations.

“We urge the teachers to care for public health in the midst of the pandemic. We believe the government should have delayed the implementation of its decision to call for public servants to work at this juncture due to the situation. We don’t want to pinpoint anyone. However, we believe everyone, in the greater interests of the country and its people, should collectively decide,” he said.

He said the health staff was exhausted due to the surging number of cases. (Kelum Bandara)