A nationwide teachers’ strike has been scheduled for the 12th of next month, demanding that the government withdraw the proposed education reforms, including the plan to extend school hours until 2:00 p.m., Sri Lanka Latest News reports.
According to Venerable Ulapane Sumangala Thero, President of the Education Professionals’ Association, several trade unions are expected to participate in the island-wide strike.
Sumangala Thero further stated that even trade unions that generally support the government have expressed their opposition to the proposed reforms. He added that the government has already prepared timetables based on the extended school hours without considering the concerns raised by stakeholders.
He also emphasized that if the government fails to adopt a flexible policy in light of the current situation, trade union actions will continue beyond the 12th of next month.
Venerable Ulapane Sumangala Thero made these remarks at a media briefing organized by the Education Professionals’ Association.
Nandana Sri Dorakumbura
