News
JVP-led CTSU threatens protests against VAT on school materials
JVP-led Ceylon Teachers Service Union threatens street protests against VAT stationery, books and school equipment.
CTSU General Secretary Mahinda Jayasinghe, addressing the media at the National Trade Union Centre headquarters in Dehiwala said: “It is no secret that people are living under tremendous pressure and hardships owing to the VAT increase. The government has increased the VAT while it has not cut its expenses. Now the parents are confronted with a new problem of buying books, stationery and school equipment for their children under new prices.”
School education has become unaffordable to most parents because of the prices of these items, Jayasinghe said. “It was recently reported that 54% of schoolchildren cannot afford school education. That was before the introduction of VAT. It seems that the government must be thinking that it could perpetuate its rule by denying education to the public. The government ministers now call on people to come to their rallies and meetings promising schoolbooks and stationery for their children.
“We demand that this VAT on educational materials be removed with immediate effect. The governments in the past exempted educational materials from VAT. We have commenced talks with other teacher unions and parents’ organisations on a collective campaign against VAT on educational material. If the government fails to do so by the beginning of the new term, we’ll take to the streets,” Jayasinghe said.
CTSU Administrative Secretary Lal Kumara, Vice President Visakha Abeyratne and Vice Secretary Yalini Ganga Suthan also addressed the press.
The upcoming academic year is scheduled to commence on 19 Feb., marking the initiation of the first school term.
A meeting between UN Resident Coordinator Marc-André Franche and Chief of Staff to the President Prabath Chandrakeerthi was held on Monday (07) morning at the Presidential Secretariat.
Particular attention was given to the Government’s programme to resettle people who lost their homes due to Cyclone Ditwah.
The Government’s programme to address potential disasters that may arise in the future amid El Nino conditions was also discussed. The Chief of Staff to the President briefed the UN Resident Coordinator on the Government’s preparedness and plans to address such challenges.
Mr Franche stated that the United Nations was prepared to provide the necessary assistance to the Government to support the successful implementation of these programmes.
Partnerships and Development Finance Specialist at the United Nations Azam Bakeer Markar and UN Sri Lanka Humanitarian and Resilience Officer Wagisha Perera also participated in the discussion.
[President’s Media Division]
[ Cricbuzz]
The Indian Naval Ship (INS) Udaygiri arrived at the Port of Colombo on an official visit today, 8 September 2026, where it was received by the Sri Lanka Navy in accordance with time-
honoured naval traditions.
INS Udaygiri is a 149.02m long Frigate, Commanded by Captain Vikas Sood. Meanwhile, the Commanding Officer of the visiting ship is scheduled to call on Commander Western Naval
Area, Rear Admiral Harsha De Silva at the Western Naval Command Headquarters.
Captain Sood served as the Defence Adviser at the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka from July 2020 to October 2023.
During their stay in the island, the crew of INS Udaygiri will participate in several goodwill events organized by the Sri Lanka Navy to enhance camaraderie between the two forces.
The visiting personnel are also scheduled to visit prominent tourist and cultural locations across the island.
Additionally, Sri Lanka Navy personnel are expected to visit the ship for capability observation and knowledge sharing, and will conduct onboard training during its stay.
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INS Udaygiri makes port call in Colombo
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