Ceylon Teachers’ Union Secretary Joseph Stalin has criticized the government for delaying salary increases for teachers and principals, asserting that no additional committees are necessary to address the issue. Speaking at a media conference held in Hatton on January 14, Stalin demanded that the government fulfill its earlier promises without further delay.
He emphasized that both public and private sector employees anticipated a salary increase from January, as previously promised by the government. Stalin specifically called for the resolution of the long-standing 2/3 salary discrepancy for teachers and principals, which has been a contentious issue.
Recalling the struggle waged by educators in 2024, Stalin highlighted that a committee led by Subodhani from the Ministry of Education had been appointed at the time. While the committee’s proposal led to a 1/3 salary increase, the remaining 2/3 discrepancy remains unresolved. “We fought a hard battle, even staging protests in front of the Presidential Secretariat, to secure this increase. It’s time for the government to act,” he said.
Stalin criticized recent remarks by a government minister suggesting the formation of yet another committee to review the salary issue. “There is no need for more committees,” Stalin said. “The work has been done, the proposals have been submitted, and a partial increase was granted. What remains is to implement the remaining 2/3 salary increase.”
He also reminded the public that current government ministers had previously campaigned for a Rs. 20,000 salary increase for public servants. “They promised salary adjustments during their election campaigns. It’s time for them to fulfill those promises now,” he added.
Stalin’s remarks underscore the growing frustration among educators over delays in salary adjustments, calling into question the government’s commitment to addressing wage disparities in the public sector.
