CTU objects against setting up of WP Governor office at Education Dept. building

The Ceylon Teachers Union (CTU) have voiced objections against Western Governor Azath Salley from setting up an office in a building belonging to the Western Province Education Department in Ananda Coomaraswamy Mawatha.

Issuing a press release, the Union noted that this had resulted in the Education Department being shifted from its existing facility to the Ranmagapaya building in Battaramulla.

The two-storied Ranmagapaya building belongs to the Transport Authority of the Western Province.and has now been leased out to the Western Province Education Department, the CTU said adding that the rent is being paid using funds allocated for the educational authority.

Following stiff opposition which was raised due to this move, authorities had promised to construct an Education Training Centre in the building down Ananda Coomaraswamy Mawatha. Union General Secretary Joseph Stalin said that the building was an asset which belonged to the family of the late Ananda Coomaraswamy. It was later donated only for education purposes, he noted.

"Due to this reason, the space which was utilised for education-related activities has been lost," Union General Secretary Joseph Stalin said in the press release.

Accordingly, the CTU has written to the Governor General to halt the steps which are being taken to set up an office in the said building. The Union said that either the Training Centre should be constructed as promised or the Western Province Education Department must be relocated to the building without using its funds.