Govt to fill all teacher vacancies

Dharme Sri Abeyratne

COLOMBO: Arrangements have been finalised to fill all teacher vacancies in Government schools especially in backward areas, Education Minister Susil Premajayantha said.

Under the proposed arrangements, the Education Ministry has decided to introduce a school-based teacher appointment system from 2007. Considering the reluctance of most teachers to serve in difficult areas, the Ministry will implement a new system which will attract teachers to serve in identified schools where there is a teacher shortage.

Initially the Ministry will identify teacher requirements using the annual census conducted by the Education Ministry Census Department.

In addition, the Education Ministry will call for a report regarding the teacher requirement from respective Zonal Education Directors.

Following the assessment made on the teacher requirement, the Education Ministry will call for applications on a school-wise and subject-wise basis, the Minister said.

"Following this procedure, suitable applicants from particular areas will be able to apply for vacancies.

For instance if there is a vacancy at a certain school, qualified applicants who would like to serve in the school should apply only for that particular vacancy.

By implementing the new system, the Ministry wishes to end the present aversion by teachers to serve in remote schools."