News
Government solved the teacher shortage by appointing 16,000 teachers despite challenges – Minister of Education
Minister of Education Susil Premajayantha stated that despite economic challenges, the government has successfully addressed the teacher shortage by appointing 16,000 teachers at both the national and provincial levels.
He emphasized that under the leadership of President Ranil Wickremesinghe, the government took on the responsibility of steering the country towards recovery within two years, especially during a time when no one else stepped up amidst the country’s most severe crisis. The minister highlighted the necessity of this initiative at this critical juncture.
Addressing the press briefing titled “Collective Path to a Stable Country” held at the Presidential Media Centre (PMC) today (22), Minister Susil Premajayantha further elaborated;
Alongside the “Aragalaya” with the COVID-19 pandemic, every sector in this country, including the entire education system, faced a significant crisis. It is noteworthy that our government, led by President Ranil Wickremesinghe, assumed the responsibility of reviving the country when no one else did. Consequently, the situation has improved, and the country has been restored over the past two years. It is important to reflect on the state of the country then and at present.
Additionally, the Chinese government has confirmed that it will provide 100% of the school uniforms for Sri Lankan school students in 2025. The distribution of school books for 2025 to local stores will commence tomorrow. We have also arranged to provide lunch for all schools, except for the main national schools, benefiting 1.7 million students.
Furthermore, the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) is set to provide USD 85 million to the Ocean University.
Development activities at other universities, which were halted due to a lack of foreign aid, have also resumed. This is crucial for both the university system and the construction industry.
We are actively working to address two key issues affecting the teaching profession in the education sector. As part of this effort, we will conduct a review of these issues and resolve them, enabling timely salary increments. The Secretary of the Public Service Commission has agreed to expedite this process, and after receiving the necessary directives from the Ministry, we will forward them to provincial authorities by next Wednesday.
Additionally, we have facilitated the appointment of about 16,000 teachers at both national and provincial levels during this period, despite economic difficulties. This has helped to effectively address the teacher shortage.
We have also arranged to provide 2,700 high-tech Smart Boards to schools, with the goal of digitizing the entire school network. Furthermore, the Asian Development Bank plans to provide USD 400 million for teacher training.
Latest News
Heat Index at Caution Level in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western and Southern provinces and in Trincomalee district.
Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 13 April 2026, valid for 14 April 2026.
The Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western and Southern provinces and in Trincomalee district.
The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.
Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned in the above table and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.
ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.
Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.
Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491.
Latest News
Heat Index at Caution level’ in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western and Southern provinces and in Trincomalee district.
Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 12 April 2026, valid for 13 April 2026.
Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western and Southern provinces and in Trincomalee district.
The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.
Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned in the above table and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.
ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.
Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.
Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491.
On the apparent northward relative motion of the sun, it is going to be directly over the latitudes of Sri Lanka from 05th to 15th of April in this year.
The nearest areas of Sri Lanka over which the sun is overhead today (13th) are Pesalai, Mankulam and Nedunkerny about 12:11 noon.
Heat Index at Caution Level in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western and Southern provinces and in Trincomalee district.
Showers or thundershowers will occur at most places of the island after 1.00 pm
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Heat Index at Caution level’ in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western and Southern provinces and in Trincomalee district.
Showers above 75 mm are likely at some places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Southern and North-western provinces.
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