The Leader of the Opposition stated that the issue of granting permanent appointments to Teacher Development Officers is not a new matter, emphasizing that the Opposition has consistently stood up for their rights without boasting, unlike the government. He stressed that this is a serious issue which has even been taken before the Sectoral Oversight Committee.
He further said that the country is currently governed by an administration that lies around the clock, and that the President and ministers of this government, led by the President, made promises to these graduates during the election period. He pointed out that these Teacher Development Officers played a crucial role in addressing the shortage of teachers in the free education system during the COVID-19 period and the country’s bankruptcy. He noted that while their number stood at 22,000 at that time, it has now dropped to 16,000, and that government ministers have abandoned them, leaving them in a helpless situation.
Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa made these remarks today while visiting the Teacher Development Officers who are currently staging a hunger strike in front of the Presidential Secretariat.
He added that this is yet another promise the government has failed to keep, stressing that there is no need for these officers to engage in a hunger strike as they can be provided with employment immediately. He also pointed out that some of them are even qualified to serve as deputy principals and therefore can be recruited without delay.
The Opposition Leader emphasized that these Teacher Development Officers have made immense sacrifices for the country’s free education system and should not be deceived. He said they must be given employment as promised and that all commitments made to them must be honored.
He further stated that although there are 35,000 unemployed graduates in the country who were also promised employment, they too have been deceived. As a result, he said, they have been offered jobs in a humiliating manner, and the government is pushing them towards destruction, just as it has destroyed the country’s education system.
The Opposition Leader also stated that if the Samagi Jana Balawegaya comes to power, this issue will be resolved swiftly. He emphasized that it is the government’s responsibility to implement the promises it makes, and that breaking promises after coming to power is unacceptable. He added that such dirty politics must come to an end.
