The Hon. (Dr.) Madhura Senevirathna - Deputy Minister of Education and Higher Education

¶ 01 On behalf of the Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, I answer:

¶ 02 (a) (i) It has been reported that a salary anomaly has arisen between the Teachers’ Service and the Principals’ Service due to the salary revision effective from 01.01.2022 increasing teachers’ salaries by a higher proportion than principals’. (ii) In this Budget, salaries across the public service were increased. As salary anomalies are to be addressed service-by-service, discussions are ongoing with relevant institutions to resolve the above anomaly. (iii) Yes. Clause 8 and Annex I of the Teachers’ Service Minute (Gazette Extraordinary No. 1885/38 of 23.10.2014) prescribe efficiency bar module requirements, implemented as module trainings through zonal teacher development centres. (iv) Yes. Due to Covid-19, the Easter attacks and the economic crisis after 2019, practical issues arose conducting module trainings. To mitigate disadvantage beyond teachers’ control, the Public Service Commission granted relief from time to time regarding completion of modules for efficiency bars. In 2024, a committee of officials and union representatives recommended alternatives due to promotion delays; PSC approval has been obtained to reduce modules from 20 to 10 and to adopt an examination-based approach. (v) Amendments to the Service Minute and the requisite Gazette are being finalized and have been submitted to the PSC for approval. Preparatory work to organize examinations has commenced. (vi) The examination system for efficiency bars is scheduled to be implemented from 01.07.2025.

¶ 03 (b) (i)-(iii) As per the Service Minutes, recruitments to SLEAS and Sri Lanka Teacher Educators’ Service are by limited and open streams.

¶ 04 SLEAS: For 442 vacancies, Cabinet Decision No. MPS/23/0822/605/012-III of 08.05.2023 approved 20% (45) under the common cadre and DMS letter No. DMS/CM/08/SLEAS of 19.04.2024 approved the balance 100% (397) under the special cadre. For 113 vacancies under open stream, DMS approval was granted by the same letter of 19.04.2024. Competitive exams and interviews were conducted; documents have been referred to the PSC Education Service Committee. Recruitments are not in two different recruitment time frames; only the exams and interviews occurred at two time points. Dates of appointments are determined by the PSC Education Service Committee.

¶ 05 Teacher Educators’ Service: Approvals were received at two different times—Cabinet Decision No. MPS/23/0822/605/012-II of 08.05.2023 for 706 limited-stream vacancies; and Cabinet Decision No. MPS/24/0153/607/009 of 12.02.2024 for interviews for 384 open-stream vacancies. Written exams concluded; limited-stream interviews and practicals were held and results referred to PSC on 29.01.2025. For the open stream, per PSC ESC letter No. ESC/APP/SLTES/01/87/2019 of 22.08.2024, preliminary interviews concluded. Again, not two recruitment time frames—only the exams/interviews were at two points.

¶ 06 (c) (i) For forthcoming SLEAS (limited/open) placements, vacancy calls have been made from all Provincial Councils. Data on officers seeking inter-service transfers from Provincial to Central Government have been called from: 1. Department of Examinations 2. Educational Publications Department 3. All Provincial Public Service Commissions 4. Provincial Ministries of Education 5. Provincial Departments of Education 6. All Zonal Education Offices 7. National Schools

¶ 07 Priority will be given to transfers of existing SLEAS officers serving in difficult areas; thereafter, new appointees will be placed in provinces, national schools and departments as required. (ii) Not applicable.

¶ 08 (d) Not applicable.

¶ 09 Supplementary

¶ 10 On rural primary schools and consolidation: Policy provides for a school within a 3 km radius. Data analysis on current placements is underway to identify locations; selected schools will be modernized within the 3 km catchment. No primary school closures; only rationalization of opportunities.

¶ 11 On Piriven education facilities: Within this year’s Budget allocations for Pirivena education, support will be provided for deficiencies including sports grounds and aesthetics. While a regional sports college model is pursued, nearby school facilities can be shared with Pirivenas; equipment for aesthetics will also be provided as funds permit.