Minister Sarath Weerasekera refutes allegations he ordered CID probe on protesting teachers

The allegations made by certain factions against him over CID questioning some striking teachers are vehemently refuted, Public Security Minister Sarath Weerasekera said.

In a special statement made to the Department of Government Information yesterday (22), the Minister said the teachers who oppose the ongoing strike and engage in online classes have complained to the CID that the persons who lead the strike are threatening their fellow teachers.

Minister Weerasekera stressed that people have a democratic right to strike and pointed out that the majority of the teachers do not want to strike but have joined in it on duress. He said that several teachers informed him so over the phone.

‘All the schools in the North and the East, as well as International schools, are functioning smoothly. Only the students in Government schools in the South are affected today. This is a very unfortunate situation. Therefore, I kindly request all teachers to think about the future of the students, go to schools and start teaching’, the Minister said.

Minister Weerasekera reiterated that interfering in the duty of Government servants is a punishable offence, and said that stern legal action will be taken even if the least influence is made on teachers who engaged in teaching.