• CPU alleges connivance of Edu. Directors with nat./local politicos, 1,200 schools affected  

The Ceylon Principals' Union (CPU) has filed a complaint with the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) regarding the alleged appointment and transfer of principals in the North Western Province (NWP) based on the wishes of various politicians, without following the procedure adopted by the North Western Provincial Council (PC) in 2010.

Speaking to The Daily Morning yesterday (19), the CPU General Secretary Piyasiri Fernando claimed that more than 1,200 schools in the North Western Province have been affected due to the improper appointment and transfer of principals. “There is a procedure adopted by the North Western PC in 2010 and principals should be appointed and transferred accordingly. However, the said procedure is not followed today. Principals are appointed and transferred as per the needs of national and local politicians. Some of the relevant Directors of Education are also working to fulfil their wishes,” he said.

Although there is an interview process to be carried out to appoint or transfer a particular principal according to the prescribed procedure, Fernando claimed that no such interviews are carried out at present. “Following the ‘aragalaya’ (the people's struggle that led to the resignation of former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa), the Cabinet of Ministers had decided to formalise the appointments and transfers of public officials, but, they have come back to normal corrupt systems again.”

He further said that the CPU had lodged a complaint with the HRCSL regarding the matter. “We have lodged a complaint with the HRCSL and sought their intervention to formalise these procedures without political interference. We have named the Secretary to the Governor of the Province, the Provincial Education Secretary, and the Directors of eight Zonal Education Divisions as respondents. The HRCSL has informed us that they would call for a report from the relevant officials on the basis on which the appointments and transfers of principals are made at present.”

Minister of Education, attorney Dr. Susil Premajayantha was not available for comment.

The allegations come in the wake of the Education Ministry having appointed a five-member committee to study the current situation of the Sri Lanka Principals Service and its issues, and to submit a report regarding the same. The committee is to look into matters such as the employment and service conditions, recruitment, placements, salaries and other benefits, transfers and promotions pertaining to principals.