Prioritising teacher salary anomalies may lead to neglect of essential priorities for schoolchildren

By Chaturanga Pradeep Samarawickrama   

Addressing the salary anomalies of teachers as a top priority during the current economic crisis may pose significant challenges in meeting the identified priorities for children, Education Minister Susil Premajayantha said.   

During a media briefing following an event at St. John’s College in Modara, he said the government’s primary focus is on distributing textbooks and uniforms, providing meals, and supplying shoes to schoolchildren.    However, despite these requests, certain parties have advocated for the rectifying of salary anomalies for teachers.    Simultaneously, the Minister announced the commencement of the new school term scheduled for February 19, 2024. The Ministry is planning to finalise the distribution of school uniforms, textbooks and shoes to selected schools along with their respective students.    The minister highlighted that following the school vacations, which will last till December 22, all schools are set to reopen on February 2. Emphasising the prioritisation of education, the Minister expressed the government’s commitment to ensuring the continuous and active attendance of students in Sri Lanka, even in the face of various economic challenges.