Trade unions object to promotion of former school principal with corruption charges

The Public Service Commission’s (PSC) decision to promote a former Colombo school principal with corruption charges has irked trade unions.

The former principal in question is accused of receiving Rs5 million from 80 Grade 1 student admissions during her tenure as school principal.

The Ceylon Teachers Union (CTU) said the committee appointed by the PSC should investigate the Education Ministry’s appointment of the former principal to a deputy director position. They called for the cancellation of the appointment.

CTU General Secretary Joseph Stalin said promoting an officer under investigation for corruption charges will only encourage others to commit crimes without fear. They added that the people giving evidence against her to the committee could be influenced negatively.

The CTU also claimed the appointment will affect the efficient running of the school the principal worked in.

Following this, the committee appointed to investigate the complaint had recommended the former principal be removed from the deputy director post of a specific section. However, she would remain as an Education Ministry deputy director without any specific positions.