Education unions oppose Ministry decision on classroom student numbers
View(s):The Education Ministry’s decision to have up to 40 students in a school classroom next year, was severely criticised by education unions. They said this decision goes against a Supreme Court order.
In a press conference last week Education Minister Dullas Alahapperuma said the Attorney General has granted permission for schools to have 40 students in a classroom, as long as teacher assistants are present.
The Minister said the cabinet approved the decision and appointments will be given to teacher assistants on August 10, after the elections conclude.
The Ceylon Teachers Union (CTU) said the decision goes against a 2016 Supreme court order which directed classrooms to hold up to 35 students only.
The SC decision was made when the Royal College Old Boys Union filed a case at the Supreme Court over classroom congestion, as more than 50 students were accommodated in each classroom.
“This is wrong and goes against the SC decision. Taking a decision without any case filed at the SC is contempt of court,” CTU General Secretary Joseph Stalin said. - CC