CTU demands govt to issue circular on salary increases by Sep. 21

By Chaturanga Pradeep Samarawickrama  

The Ceylon Teachers’ Union (CTU) today demanded the government to release a circular before September 21 announcing the proposed salary increments of government employees, including teachers and principals.  

Addressing the media, its General Secretary Joseph Stalin said releasing circulars was not a violation of election laws.   

If the statements by President Ranil Wickremesinghe on political stages are true, a circular must be issued before the election date.   

However, a circular has been issued to increase the allowances of the pensioners.  

“Every Presidential candidate use to make statements targeting the salary increments of government employees. President Ranil Wickremesinghe is holding a significant place when making statements regarding salary anomaly issues,” he said.  

The teachers and principals had protested on October 24 to remove salary anomalies. At that time, the government did not give solutions but treated them with tear gas and water cannons.   

Various political stage discussions are held in this regard these days by various candidates.  

“Earlier, the President said that the VAT must be increased to pay the required salary increase. But now the government has launched discussions to go for immediate salary increments. According to their increments, the Grade One teacher salary is to be increased by 67%,” Stalin said.