The Ceylon Teachers’ Services Union (CTSU) affiliated with the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), the main party of the National People’s Power (NPP) Government, has voiced support for maintaining school hours from 7.30 a.m. to 1.30 p.m.
CTSU President Dhammika Alahapperuma said they have submitted its proposal to the Education Ministry, including its Secretary, and reiterated its position on multiple occasions.
He noted that the CTSU would assess its next steps depending on how the Ministry responds.
Alahapperuma also said that the CTSU would not join a planned strike organised by the Ceylon Teachers’ Union (CTU) and several other teachers’ trade unions on 12 December, protesting the Government’s decision to extend school hours by half an hour to 2 p.m.
The dispute stems from the Government’s plan to extend school hours from January 2026.
The CTU has stressed that any education reform should fit within the current timetable of 7.30 a.m. to 1.30 p.m., and announced a one-day strike on 12 December as the first step in their protest.
However, the Ministry of Education has maintained that the extension is final.
Ministry Secretary Nalaka Kaluwewa said that while teachers’ unions are welcome to share their views, the decision to extend school hours cannot be altered.
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