New criteria for appointment, transfer, promotion of Principals

New principals appointed to State-run schools should be seconded to that school three months before the current principal leaves the school, and where an acting appointment has to be made to such a post, it should not be for more than three months, according to the National Educational Polices and Proposals for General Education in Sri Lanka, released recently.

Under the sub heading, Sri Lanka Principals’ Service, it is proposed that vacancies for principals should be filled only with those within the service, except when Sri Lanka Education Administrative Service (SLEAS) officers are to be given experience.

Those who aspire to be become principals, must have postgraduate or diploma qualifications in school management, administration and leadership.

In appointing, promoting and transferring principals, the Sri Lanka Principals’ Service code should be adhered to, while those in outstation service should be felicitated and rewarded at national level.

In appointing or promoting in the service, competitive examinations must be held annually.

Meanwhile, under the proposals, teacher educators recruited in future, should possess postgraduate Degrees in the relevant field and knowledge of English.

These recommendations are based on the proposals presented to the special Parliamentary Advisory Committee on Education