Teachers, principals to launch sick leave campaign today

By Chaturanga Pradeep Samarawickrama

The National Teachers’ Power (NTP) has decided to launch an islandwide two-day sick leave campaign starting today, demanding the government resolve the salary anomalies of school principals and teachers.  

Addressing the media NTP National Organizer and Media Spokesman Amuthu Bandara told the Daily Mirror that there is a responsibility for the 225 MPs in Parliament to take up a debate on this issue, as they were elected to Parliament with the vote cast by the teachers and principals as well.
“Beyond issuing vehicle permits to parliamentarians, addressing salary anomalies is crucial. The NTP urges the President and Education Minister to resolve this issue before Poson Poya on June 21,” Bandara said. “If not, we will take action to stop your future plans. The politicians still do not understand the power of the teachers and principals,” Bandara said.
Meanwhile, NTP advisor Venerable Akmeemana Dhammarathana Thera also requested all teachers and principals to join the two-day trade union action by applying for medical leave.  
Meanwhile, Ceylon Teachers’ Union (CTU) Secretary Joseph Stalin and Ceylon Teachers’ Services Union General Secretary Mahinda Jayasinghe told the Daily Mirror that they will not engage in the campaign today.