CTSU objects to hiring Indian professionals to counsel school children following Easter attacks

The Ceylon Teachers Services Union (CTSU) has voiced its opposition over the government's moves to hire Indian professionals to provide counselling for children  affected by the Easter Sunday attacks.

In a letter addressed to Education Minister Akila Viraj Kariyawasam, the Union pointed out that the move would result in practical difficulties since Indian nationals will not be familiar with the local language, enviornment, and the culture.

The Union pointed out that such a move would also bring about the need to hire language interpreters to ease the communication process.

"There is no need to obtain the services of Indian nationals in the backdrop of having ample local doctors, councellors and teachers who are familiar with the mother toungue, the Sri Lankan way of lifestyle and the culture," CTSU General Secretary Mahinda Jayasinghe said.

He added that the Union was willing to mediate and obtain the assistance of local psychologists, councellors and teachers who are trained in these fields in order to conduct councelling sessions.

Therefore, the CTSU urged the Education Minister to halt such moves if the Education Ministry has taken a decision in this regard.