President Ranil Wickremesinghe emphasized the critical role of teachers in ensuring the education of the nation’s children during school hours. He warned that if this commitment is not maintained, and students are deprived of their education, measures would be taken to designate teaching as an essential service, according to the President’s Media Division.
During his visit to the Asgiri Maha Viharaya, the President received blessings from the Most Venerable Warakagoda Sri Gnanarathana Maha Nayaka Thero and discussed the need for teachers and principals to be role models for children. He stressed the importance of prioritizing students’ futures over protests and strikes.
President Wickremesinghe noted that the current crisis does not involve the entire teaching profession but is primarily driven by a politically aligned minority, affecting only Sinhalese schools. He praised Tamil, Muslim, and private schools for continuing uninterrupted education.
Additionally, the President highlighted reports of school guards sending children home and directed the Inspector General of Police to enforce the law against such actions.
In a separate visit to the historic Sri Dalada Maligawa, the President paid homage and received blessings from the Maha Sangha. He also discussed the Greater Kandy Urban Development Plan with the Mahanayakas, assuring that steps would be taken to address the salary disparities among government officials starting in 2025.
President Wickremesinghe reiterated the need for unity beyond traditional political divisions to achieve economic recovery and modernization efforts, including infrastructure and tourism development plans for the Kandy area.
