The Hon. (Dr.) Madhura Senevirathna

¶ 01 Hon. Speaker, on behalf of the Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, I respond as follows.

¶ 02 (a) (i) As at 2024.04.30, the number of acting principals is 2,994.

¶ 03 This count comprises teachers performing duties on acting/covering basis who are not recruited under the Sri Lanka Principals’ Service statute.

¶ 04 (ii) A Cabinet Memorandum No. 23/2383/607/108 dated 2023.12.04 was submitted to seek approval to appoint acting principals to Class III of the Sri Lanka Principals’ Service on the supra-grade basis. However, Cabinet did not grant approval.

¶ 05 Such supra-grade appointments are meant only to prevent loss of a rightful post due to an administrative lapse. No such injustice has occurred in this case of covering duties as principal. Therefore, concurrence for such appointments has not been granted.

¶ 06 (iii) Under Article 55(3) of the Constitution, the power to frame provisions regarding appointments, promotions, transfers and ancillary matters of public officers is vested in the Public Service Commission. Accordingly, the PSC was consulted regarding appointing acting principals to the Principals’ Service on the supra-grade basis; the PSC did not agree. The PSC has informed that vacancies in the Principals’ Service should be filled through recruitment.

¶ 07 (iv) Since the PSC has not concurred, there is no possibility of granting supra-grade appointments.

¶ 08 (b) Not applicable.