Most woes of teachers solved - Bandula

Disna Mudalige

The Education Ministry intervened and solved the majority of problems pertaining to teachers which had been neglected over the past years, Education Minister Bandula Gunawardena said.

Responding to a question at a press conference at the ministry yesterday, the minister said there is no need for anybody to come to streets with slogans, when the ministry is committed to its best to resolve matters within the education sector.

With reference to the protest march by a Teachers' Union yesterday, the minister said most demands of protesters have been met after discussions with many Teachers' Unions. He said it was a politically motivated protest. Gunawardena said he was ready to discuss with any trade union if it has no ulterior political motive.

The minister said he respects the democratic right of any group to organise peaceful marches.

He said action has already been taken to make the delayed promotions of teachers, allocate money to pay their arrears, speed up the gratuity payments, pay increments and regulate teacher transfers.