The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education

¶ 01 Mr. Speaker, the answers are as follows.

¶ 02 (a)(i) The number of Development Officers attached to National Schools is 2,939.

¶ 03 The total number of Development Officers attached to Provincial Council schools by province is as follows (since 1999):

¶ 04 - Western: 3,891 - Southern: 2,471 - Central: 2,974 - North Western: 2,416 - Uva: 1,580 - North Central: 1,337 - Sabaragamuwa: 2,235 - Northern: 471 - Eastern: 2,727 Total: 20,102

¶ 05 (a)(ii) Development Officers attached to National Schools by year: - Prior to 2021: 517 - 2021: 488 - 2022: 1,934 Total: 2,939

¶ 06 Due to transfers and releases to other services such as the Teaching Service, presently about 1,992 Development Officers are serving in National Schools.

¶ 07 The detailed breakdown for Provincial Council schools is annexed to the answer tabled.

¶ 08 (a)(iii) In accordance with final judicial orders and provisions of the Sri Lanka Teachers’ Service Minute, opportunities can be provided for Development Officers to enter the Teachers’ Service.

¶ 09 (a)(iv) Supreme Court interim orders suspended the competitive examination to recruit graduates to the Sri Lanka Teachers’ Service for Sinhala, Tamil and English medium vacancies. In SC Cases No. 77/2023 and 88/2023, matters were concluded on 06.08.2025. In cases No. 78/2023 and 95/2023, based on Gazette No. 2317 of 27.01.2023, the maximum age limit of 40 years for applicants was directed to be extended to 45 years for this instance only. Although the Supreme Court matters concluded, the pending Court of Appeal case CA 92/2023 (Writ) had not been finalized at that time, hence the exam could not be held.

¶ 10 Accordingly, a Cabinet Memorandum dated 08.10.2025 was submitted to recruit graduates, including Development Officers serving in schools and other graduates in and outside the public service, to Grade 3-I (a) of the Sri Lanka Teachers’ Service by conducting separate examinations with revised age limits in keeping with the SC orders. The Cabinet decision dated 26.10.2025 has been received, the position was apprised to the Court of Appeal, and the CA matter was concluded on 20.11.2025. Recruitment will proceed accordingly.

¶ 11 (b)(i) Yes.

¶ 12 (b)(ii) As above, the age limit is to be revised and separate examinations held to recruit graduates to Grade 3-I (a) for existing vacancies. (Details given under (a)(iv).)

¶ 13 (c) Does not arise.