President Ranil Wickremesinghe with the Mahanayake of the Asgiriya Chapter Most Ven. Warakagoda Gnanarathana Thera.
Education of the nation’s children will be safeguarded at all costs – President
Teacher salaries increased between Rs. 3,000 to17,000 in 2022
With additional Rs.10,000 this year total rise ranges from Rs.13,000 to 27,000
Commends Tamil, Muslim and private schools for uninterrupted education
President Ranil Wickremesinghe emphasised the importance of teachers being present in schools during school hours for the education of the nation’s children.
He warned that if this commitment is not upheld in the future and schoolchildren are deprived of their education as a result, necessary measures will be taken to designate the teaching profession as an essential service.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe mentioned this during his visit to the Asgiri Maha Viharaya. The President received blessings from the Most Venerable Warakagoda Sri Gnanarathana Mahanayake Thera, the Maha Nayaka of the Asgiriya Chapter. President Wickremesinghe also participated in a cordial conversation with the Maha Nayaka Thera. The President emphasised that teachers and principals should be role models for children and prioritise their future. He highlighted the need to consider the impact on children when teachers participate in protests and strikes, stressing the importance of their ability to provide guidance and advice to students.
The President clarified that this crisis does not affect the entire teaching profession. He noted that information received indicates only certain politically aligned teachers are involved, attributing the damage to the entire profession to the actions of this specific group.
Highlighting that this situation is confined to Sinhalese schools, the President commended Tamil, Muslim, and private schools for ensuring uninterrupted education for children.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe also mentioned that reports have indicated school guards are sending the children home, and he has directed the Inspector General of Police to enforce the law in response to these incidents.
In 2022, teachers experienced salary increases ranging from Rs.3,000 to 17,000. On average, this equates to about six to seven thousand rupees. Additionally, this year they received an additional Rs.10,000 increase, resulting in total raises ranging from Rs.13,000 to 27,000 for teachers. Hence, the salaries of other government officials need to be deliberated upon accordingly.
