The Ceylon Teachers’ Union has expressed strong dissatisfaction with this year’s national budget, particularly for its failure to address the recommendations made by the Subodhini Committee regarding salary increases for teachers and principals.
Speaking to the media, CTU general secretary Joseph Stalin pointed out that while state employees have been calling for a Rs. 20,000 salary increment, teachers and principals have been demanding a resolution to the remaining salary anomalies as outlined by the Subodhini Committee.
However, he noted that the budget only allocated funds for salary increases over the next three years, with no provisions for 2026 and 2027, raising concerns about long-term support for the education sector.
Stalin emphasized that there was no mention of the Subodhini Committee’s report in the budget, describing it as a significant oversight.
He also criticized the Prime Minister’s claim that the principal and teacher services are ranked seventh and eighth in the salary scale, respectively, calling it inaccurate. According to Stalin, the teacher service is actually ranked twelfth in terms of the salary scale.
Stalin further highlighted discrepancies in the salary structure, pointing out that the salaries of special grade nurses, upper-class management service officers, and police personnel—who were previously below teachers in terms of salary scale—have been increased since 1997.
In addition to salary concerns, Stalin addressed the shortage of teachers in the country, noting that there are currently 30,000 vacancies in the teaching service.
He called on the government to take urgent steps to fill these positions to ensure the continued quality of education.
The Secretary also criticized the inadequate funds allocated for the maintenance of schools and raised concerns over the 18 percent VAT levied on school children’s equipment, urging the government to take action to remove the tax, which has been burdensome for parents and educational institutions alike.
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