COLOMBO : Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government Prof. Chandana Abayaratne announced that the Government will recruit 30,000 teachers this year through a subject-based recruitment system for the first time to address critical teacher shortages in schools.
Speaking at the opening of a new classroom building at Karukkumaduwa Junior School in Anamaduwa on July 15, the Minister said the new recruitment process will prioritize teachers for subjects facing severe shortages, particularly Mathematics. He noted that around 180,000 qualified candidates sat for the competitive examination held in May, and recruitment will be completed before the end of 2026 after the evaluation process.
The Minister also said the Government will take steps to address issues in the Principal Service and improve school facilities, including expanding the Mobile Library programme and providing a permanent library for Karukkumaduwa Junior School.
He further highlighted measures taken to strengthen the public service, including salary increases and higher housing loan limits for public servants, while urging public support to combat drug abuse and dengue, both of which pose serious threats to children and communities.
