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Teachers, principals threaten sick note campaign for promised promotion circular
View(s):Teachers and principals islandwide threatened to go on a sick note campaign next Thursday (30) till a circular regarding their promised promotions is issued. The Government has failed to give teachers of State-run schools promotions for four years and principals for six years.
Ceylon Teachers’ Services Union Secretary, Mahinda Jayasinghe, said that, out of 235,000 teachers and principals in the country, at least 175,000 have been affected by this. He said Government has deprived these State workers of their rights, and is now using it as election propaganda.
“Education Minister Bandula Gunawardena and President Rajapaksa are going around the country promising promotions. We all know that giving due promotions to a large number of persons such as this is not easy. It needs careful and prior planning. For this the Government should issue a circular, at least by the end of this month,” he said, adding that, if this is not done, they will not be able to issue all promotions by December 31.
Mr Jayasinghe added that, as well as the promotions, the State should also pay arrears to teachers for the total amount.
He added that, they are conducting an islandwide campaign to create awareness among the public regarding their action.
“Since October 20, we have distributed nearly 150,000 leaflets and held a number of meetings to create awareness, especially among the affected teachers and principals. This is their right, and the Government should not use it as election propaganda,” he explained.