Surplus of 457 English teachers in Western province but a shortage of 140 English teachers in Kalutara district!

COLOMBO (News 1st) - Students in Kalutara district are faced with difficulties due to the lack of English teachers. Surprisingly, this is against a backdrop where there is a surplus of 457 English teachers in the Western province. According to statistics at the Provincial Education Ministry, there is a shortage of one hundred and forty English teachers only in the Kalutara district. Parents note that although English textbooks have been issued for students from Grade 1 onwards, there aren't adequate teachers for the subject at most schools. Meanwhile, Teachers' Associations charge that the main reason behind the issue is the disorganized appointment of teachers. General Secretary of the Ceylon Teachers Union, Joseph Stalin said the existing issue is a result of political influence. When the News 1st team inquired, Western Provincial Minister of Education, Ranjith Somawansa, said that this shortage of teachers has arisen due to certain decisions taken during the previous regime. The Provincial Minister further noted that permission has been sought to recruit English diploma holders for teaching services as a solution to the issue. Meanwhile, Governor of the Western Province, Azath Salley said relevant officers have been instructed to transfer all additional English teachers to schools with shortages in Kalutara district.

---