Overstaying teachers to be transferred with immediate effect: AVK

Education Minister Akila Viraj Kariawasam has issued a new directive that all teachers with over 10 years service in one school, be transferred with immediate effect.

The normal procedure is for teachers to be transferred from one school to another every 6 years, but this is often overlooked with teachers serving in some schools for nearly 12 years.

“We have gathered the necessary information regarding the teachers and will ensure that those who have overstayed in one school, are transferred to another,” the Minister said.

He added that, while this decision was made earlier and the Director of National Schools directed to implement it, it did not materialise in the manner anticipated.

“There are many who had to be transferred and due to this, there was some hesitation on the part of the officials who were dragging their feet on the matter.”

Now, a new Director of National Schools has been appointed, particularly, to take care of this matter. He has been given time till December this year to ensure the necessary measures are put in place.

The Minister added that teachers serving, particularly in big schools, were against transfers, as some want to put their children into those schools, while others were promoting private tuition among students. The Minister added that teachers with over 10- 12 years service, have got involved in school administrative work and were hindering the work of even the principals.

"Some were using political patronage to stay on in schools of their choice, but this time we are determined to do the necessary transfer," he stressed.

The Minister elaborated this would allow for the equal distribution of teachers to rural areas, especially to teach subjects such as Maths, English, Science etc., for which there was a dearth of teachers in these schools.

“Schoolchildren in poor schools didn’t get access to good teachers because of this. Once the transfers are in place school education will improve,” he added.