The Ceylon Teachers’ Union (CTU) has called on the Sri Lankan government to immediately introduce a concessional relief programme for teachers and school principals affected by the recent floods and landslides across the country.
CTU General Secretary Joseph Stalin said a large number of educators have been severely impacted by the disaster and are struggling to cope with existing financial pressures, including outstanding bank loans. He noted that many teachers and principals have lost property or sources of income, worsening their financial vulnerability.
According to Stalin, the Secretary to the Ministry of Education has confirmed that nearly 100,000 individuals have been affected by the recent disaster. The government has already decided to provide a cash grant of Rs. 25,000 to affected children.
He also pointed out that the Suraksha school insurance scheme remains in operation and can be accessed to support students’ needs, although details on the specific benefits available have yet to be clearly communicated.
Emphasising the urgency of supporting educators, Stalin said many affected teachers and principals are already heavily indebted and require targeted financial assistance. He urged the government to introduce loan concessions as an immediate measure, and at a minimum, consider cancelling or restructuring existing loans to ease their financial burden.
