News Today: Teachers’ Union Slams Government Over Salary Crisis

The Ceylon Teachers’ Union (CTU) has strongly criticized the government for failing to address teacher salary issues in the recent budget. CTU Secretary Joseph Stalin expressed disappointment, stating that both the President and the Prime Minister had previously assured teachers that the matter would be resolved in the 2025 budget. However, the proposed salary adjustments fall short of expectations, leaving many educators frustrated.

Stalin warned that teachers and principals may stage protests if the government fails to implement the necessary salary revisions. He emphasized that despite earlier promises, the 2024 budget only includes a Rs. 15,000 salary increase, whereas teachers were expecting Rs. 20,000. Furthermore, the budget does not allocate funds for 2026 and 2027, raising concerns about the long-term financial stability of educators.

He also highlighted the Subodhini Committee report, which recommended a two-thirds salary increment that has yet to be implemented. “Teachers took to the streets demanding fair wages, and the government assured them their concerns would be addressed. Now, they feel completely let down,” Stalin stated.

The CTU urges the government to rectify these salary anomalies before tensions escalate. The response from the authorities in the coming months will determine the future actions of teachers and principals across the country.