Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya commended teachers for their commitment to adapting to changing global trends and guiding children along new educational pathways, as the government implements new education reforms to meet the demands of a modern, technology driven world.

In a message issued to mark World Teachers’ Day, the Prime Minister extended her greetings to teachers dedicated to nurturing the knowledge and wisdom of future generations and building a value enriched society. Describing teaching as a noble service provided with dedication, devotion and love rather than a job limited to earning a salary, she noted that teachers’ contributions extend far beyond school hours and the formal curriculum.

Highlighting government initiatives, the Prime Minister stated that key steps are underway to strengthen the education system and uphold the dignity of the teaching profession. To resolve long standing teacher shortages, the government is formally recruiting university graduates and National Colleges of Education diploma holders into the teaching service, while addressing legal and service related issues to streamline the recruitment process.

Additional measures outlined by the Prime Minister include addressing salary issues, preventing promotion delays, systematically conducting efficiency bar examinations and filling vacancies in both the Principals’ Service and Teacher Educators’ Service. Furthermore, the government remains committed to enhancing teachers’ IT skills, facilitating digital learning approaches, modernizing professional training programmes and offering overseas training opportunities linked to global technologies.

Wishing teachers strength and good health as they illuminate the future of children, the Prime Minister invited all stakeholders to initiate a new social dialogue on education. (Eduwire)