COLOMBO : On this occasion of World Teachers’ Day, I extend my greetings to all those teachers dedicated to nurturing the knowledge and wisdom of future generations and building a society enriched with values and humanity.
Amid the new education reforms being implemented to meet the demands of the modern, technology-driven world, your commitment to adapting to the changing world and guiding children towards new pathways is commendable.
The teaching profession is not merely a job limited to earning a salary; it is a noble service provided with dedication, devotion and love.
Therefore, our Government has taken a number of key measures to strengthen the education system and uphold the dignity of the teaching profession.
As a solution to the teacher shortage that existed for a long time, we are working to recruit graduates and National Colleges of Education diploma holders into the teaching service on a formal basis, while also addressing legal and service-related issues and streamlining the recruitment process. We are also taking measures to address salary-related issues, prevent delays in promotions, conduct efficiency-bar examinations in a systematic manner, and fill vacancies in the Principals’ Service and the Teacher Educators’ Service as well.
We remain committed to enhancing information technology skills of teachers facilitating them with digital approaches to education, modernising professional training programmes to elevate professional standards, and creating opportunities for overseas training to provide teachers with new opportunities linked to modern global technologies.
Your contribution extends beyond the confines of school hours and the curriculum. By recognising the challenges faced by children and nurturing their skills and abilities, you make an invaluable contribution to laying the foundation for a proud and promising future generation.
I wish all teachers who are working tirelessly to illuminate the future of our children by embracing the changing education system, continued strength, courage and good health to carry forward the invaluable service you have rendered thus far. I invite you all to initiate a new social dialogue on education.
Wishing you all a very Happy World Teachers’ Day!
