Teachers not given COVID-related special leave says union head

A leading teachers union has asked the Education Ministry to instruct provincial and zonal education authorities over leave granted to COVID-19 infected teachers or teachers who were under quarantine when schools were in session.

In a letter to the Education Ministry Secretary, the Ceylon Teacher Services Union Secretary Mahinda Jayasinghe said despite a public administration circular instructing the granting of special paid leave for infected or quarantined public sector officials, they are receiving complaints from teachers.

“Some school managements are recording COVID-related leave as personal leave and not special paid leave. This is causing inconvenience to teachers and clearly a violation of both the circular and the Establishments Code,” he said.

“In case where a certain public officer has been directed for quarantine process due to the prevailing situation and further