The Hon. (Dr.) Madhura Senevirathna

¶ 01 Hon. Speaker, we appreciate the service rendered by teachers who covered principal duties, especially in difficult schools, when a principal retired or a vacancy arose. We have discussed this with their representatives. We acknowledge and appreciate their contribution. There are official-level discussions ongoing.

¶ 02 However, we cannot violate service statutes. Future appointments will be made scientifically under the criteria of the Education Administrative Service and the Principals’ Service. Therefore, in future placements, the issues you mentioned will not arise.

¶ 03 At present there are about 4,000 vacancies. We are proceeding to fill them. After recruitment, some schools will be staffed from the Principals’ Service and others from the Education Administrative Service. Litigation caused some delays in recruitments, but the Attorney-General’s Department has advised that we can proceed. We will also consider a compassionate recognition — possibly with a financial element — consistent with rules. Future recruitments will proceed under departmental procedures.