Deputy Minister of Labour Mahinda Jayasinghe has intervened to suspend a controversial circular issued by the Western Province Governor that prohibited teachers from conducting paid tuition classes for their students.
The circular, issued by Western Provincial Education Secretary K.A.D.R. Nishanthi Jayasinghe, banned teachers from offering tuition during school hours, after school, weekends, and public holidays. It instructed all teachers to adhere strictly to these regulations, with warnings of disciplinary action for violations.
Deputy Minister Jayasinghe stated that the Governor had directed the suspension of the circular until a comprehensive review and policy decision could be made on the matter. The suspension comes amid criticism from various quarters, including teachers and parents, who have expressed differing opinions about the ban.
The directive was sent to the Director of Education, Regional Directors, Divisional Directors of Education, and all school principals in the province. It aimed to regulate the practice of teachers conducting paid tuition for their own students, which critics argue could lead to conflicts of interest and unequal treatment in classrooms.
Supporters of the circular claimed it was necessary to maintain the integrity of the school system and prevent undue financial burdens on parents, while opponents argued it unfairly restricted teachers’ income and disregarded the demand for extra tutoring among students.
The suspension of the circular indicates that the issue will be subject to further examination. Discussions are expected to consider the broader implications of such a ban on teachers, students, and parents, and aim to develop a balanced policy.
In the meantime, teachers in the Western Province can continue conducting tuition classes until a final decision is made.
This incident highlights the ongoing debate over the role of private tuition in Sri Lanka’s education system and the balance between professional ethics and financial opportunities for educators.
