Schools closed today, tomorrow

Education Ministry yesterday decided to close all State schools today and tomorrow (June 11 and 12) in view of the scheduled strike by teacher trade unions.

The decision was taken considering the security risks to school children posed by the teachers stay in, Education Minister Susil Premajayantha said.

In a media briefing at Isurupaya yesterday the Minister said he met the trade union leaders last morning to discuss the issue of salary anomalies and their interim proposals. The trade unions have proposed an interim allowance until a possible pay hike. The discussions has however concluded without a finality. They were supposed to meet again in another three weeks.

The trade union leaders, therefore, settled to go ahead with their two day token strike compelling the Ministry to close down schools to ensure children's safety. This two day holiday is to be remitted from the second school term.