Educators slam govt. for 'unprepared' education reforms

Teachers, principals and education professionals have said the government is unprepared to roll out proposed education reforms scheduled to take effect from next week, and warned of nationwide trade union action if the plans are implemented without adequate consultation and preparation.

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Addressing a press conference in Colombo, President of the Association of Education Professionals, Ven. Ulapane Sumangala Thera, said Ministry officials had indicated that the reforms would be implemented from Monday, 05 January, but claimed that the vast majority of educators were opposed to the move.

"More than 90 percent of teachers say they have not received proper training on the new syllabus or the proposed reforms," Ven. Sumangala Thera said. He alleged that the government was attempting to suppress opposition from teachers and principals by declaring school holidays, instead of addressing their concerns.

"If the government continues with these tactics, we will have no option but to resort to trade union action at a national level," he warned.

Meanwhile, representatives of 16 teachers' and principals' unions who visited the Ministry of Education at Isurupaya on Monday to seek clarification on the reforms were turned away by security officials, reportedly on the grounds that prior appointments were required.