National School Teacher Appointments 10,535 in Two Weeks
Education Minister Susil Premajayantha Announces Major Recruitment Drive
Read This News in Sinhala - Click Here Read This News in Tamil - Click Here
The Ministry of Education, under the leadership of Minister Susil Premajayantha, has initiated a comprehensive plan to address the severe teacher shortage in national schools. Speaking in Parliament, the Minister revealed that 10,535 teacher vacancies will be filled within the next two weeks.
Provincial and National Recruitment
Minister Premajayantha also revealed that 6,000 teachers will be recruited at the provincial level. These steps are part of a broader effort to revitalize the education sector, which has faced severe challenges since the COVID-19 crisis began.
Acting Principals and Administrative Measures
The Education Ministry is also working closely with the Public Service Commission to confirm 1,800 acting principals, a crucial step to enhance leadership within schools. This effort is part of a broader initiative to rectify administrative gaps that have hindered educational progress.
Addressing Past Setbacks and Future Planning
Minister Premajayantha highlighted the numerous setbacks the education sector faced by 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. These included delayed examinations, halted teacher training sessions, and financial constraints that affected salary payments, textbook provision, and school meal programs. The retirement of many teachers and principals, compounded by a reduction in the retirement age, further exacerbated the shortage.
Restoration and Progress
Despite these challenges, the Minister noted significant progress made over the past two and a half years. Examination schedules and the school calendar have been systematically updated. Notably, the results of two Advanced Level Examinations held in 2024 were released promptly, and efforts are underway to normalize the examination timetable by 2025.
Improved Financial Management and Resource Allocation
Financial management within the Ministry has also seen improvements. An institution previously burdened with an overdraft of 1.2 billion rupees now reports a profit of 2.3 billion rupees. Additionally, international collaborations, such as grants from the Chinese government, have helped secure school uniforms for a large number of students.
Support for Students and Schools
Plans to provide school lunches to 1.7 million students, supported by a 26 billion rupee budget, are in place. This includes contributions from the government and other stakeholders. Moreover, a program to distribute sanitary napkins to schoolgirls is set to commence on June 10, addressing an important aspect of student welfare.
Renovation and Sports Initiatives
Renovation projects for distressed schools have been undertaken, and school sports programs, previously halted, are now being conducted annually. The Ministry has also made strides in addressing vacancies within the Education Administrative Services, with significant numbers of appointments and examination results being processed.
The Education Minister’s comprehensive update underscores the government’s commitment to revitalizing the education sector. With measures in place to address both immediate and long-term challenges, the Ministry aims to ensure a stable and robust educational framework for the nation’s future.
