The Lanka Teachers’ Union has expressed regret over the government’s decision to reverse its earlier stance on banning politicians from school functions.
Ceylon Teachers’ Union General Secretary, Joseph Stalin, stated that the original decision was an important step toward fostering a better educational culture, and questioned why it was changed.
He accused the Prime Minister of strengthening a corrupt system where school activities had previously been controlled by politicians, making it impossible to function without their involvement.
Stalin also criticized the PM’s shift in stance, stating that it was everyone’s responsibility to ensure the education system remains free from political interference.
Furthermore, he alleged that a “slave culture” had been established under previous administrations, where politicians were brought to school events and students were compelled to associate with them. According to him, some members of the current government have also become part of that same culture.
On September 26, 2024, an official announcement was issued, confirming that the Prime Minister had instructed education authorities to refrain from attending school events.
The directive, issued under the theme “Stop Bringing Politicians to School Events Immediately,” was widely praised by educators, teachers’ unions, and subject experts at the time. However, the government’s recent reversal of this policy has now sparked controversy and criticism.
