President Considers Declaring Teaching an Essential Service Amidst Union Protests

President Ranil Wickremesinghe is considering designating the teaching profession as an essential service following a recent island-wide trade union action by teacher-principal unions, which led to a mass sick leave on June 26 and 27. The President stressed the critical role of teachers in ensuring the education of the nation’s children and warned of necessary measures if future actions disrupt school activities.

During his visit to Asgiri Maha Viharaya, President Wickremesinghe received blessings from the Most Venerable Warakagoda Sri Gnanarathana Mahanayake Thero and engaged in a conversation with the Maha Nayaka Thera. He emphasized that teachers and principals must serve as role models, prioritizing the future of their students and carefully considering the impact of their protests on children’s education.

The President clarified that the current unrest does not reflect the entire teaching profession, attributing the disruption to a politically aligned minority. He praised Tamil, Muslim, and private schools for maintaining uninterrupted education and directed the Inspector General of Police to enforce the law against any school guards sending children home prematurely.

President Wickremesinghe’s visit also included paying homage to the Sacred Tooth Relic at the Dalada Maligawa in Kandy, where he was warmly welcomed by the Chief Custodian, Diyawadana Nilame Nilanga Dela.