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.