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Karu tells govt. to be mindful of teachers’ dignity

Published

4 years ago

2021/10/8

President of the National Movement for a Just Society, former Speaker Karu Jayasuriya yesterday said that Sri Lanka must be concerned about the professional dignity of the Sri Lankan teachers and that the government must place great emphasis on education.

Jayasuriya has said that they salute the teachers for their service. The entire nation must be mindful of the dignity of the teachers given the important role they play in shaping the future generations of the country.

“Considering the tremendous social transformation that has taken place in Sri Lanka since the introduction of the free education system, we can see the great role played by the education professionals is great. That is why the teacher has great social prestige,” he said.

Jayasuriya has said that the pride teachers have of their profession is a good indication of their drive and motivation. Having teachers with drive and motivation is vital for preparing children for the future. That is why Sri Lanka needs to pay close attention to the grievances of teachers.

“We work in a context where we must pay close attention to the future of the education system. Children have missed school for over two years. We must ensure that they can start their academic activities as soon as possible. Having teachers on the road is not a good way of going about it. We can’t also force teachers back into schools because they will return with their spirits crushed,” he said.

The former Speaker said that they demand the government to address the demands made by the teachers and principals so that they can live in dignity. Jayasuriya said that the issues faced by the teachers have not been solved for 24 years and that successive governments are to be blamed for the current situation.

“However, this is not an excuse to ignore their demands. From what I see every political party supports the demands of teachers and the government can do whatever it takes to solve this issue,” he said.

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Sixth anniversary of Easter Sunday carnage: Special security provided to churches

Published

1 hour ago

2025/04/20

Thilina Walpola

Police and armed forces personnel will be deployed at all churches today as the sixth anniversary of the 2019 Easter Sunday terror attacks is marked.Police stations have been instructed to provide special security to churches in their areas and seek assistance from the STF and tri-forces where additional manpower is needed.

Security arrangements have been made under the direction of Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) Priyantha Weerasuriya.

Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuiyakontha convened a special meeting on Thursday, instructing the Commanders of the Tri-Forces to implement a comprehensive security plan to safeguard worshippers attending Easter Sunday services.

He further directed that the measures be taken in close coordination with the Ministry of Public Security to ensure effective implementation and to allow Christians to attend services without fear or inconvenience.The main commemoration service is set to begin with a procession from St. Lucia’s Cathedral at 7:00 a.m., with participation from Catholics

in nearby parishes—particularly from Colombo Central, Colombo North, Wattala, and Ragama—as well as brothers from junior and national seminaries, priests, and religious leaders. Colombo Archbishop Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith is expected to conduct the prayer service, which is scheduled to begin at 8:40 a.m.

A separate commemoration will also take place at St. Sebastian’s Church in Katuwapitiya, in two sessions—one at 8:30 a.m. and another at 4:30 p.m.

By Norman Palihawadane

News

Easter Sunday carnage: Catholic Bishops’ Conference renews call for justice

Published

1 hour ago

2025/04/20

Thilina Walpola

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference in Sri Lanka says that ascertaining who the perpetrators of the Easter Sunday attacks in 2019 were and those who have aided and abetted in the dastardly act, is a matter of urgency.

In its special message for Easter the conference says: “This Easter also marks the sixth anniversary of the Easter Sunday bomb attacks on innocent worshipers at Catholic and other Christian Churches and in other places in 2019, causing death and injuries to hundreds of people. In this regard, we observe that certain positive steps have been taken by the present government to ensure an independent and impartial inquiry into this brutal attack.

While we appreciate the efforts made so far, we insist that as a matter of urgency and justice, the final aim of the inquiries should be to ascertain who the perpetrators are and those who have aided and abetted in the dastardly act.

We shall continue to pray earnestly for wisdom and courage for the leaders of our country, as well as solace and healing for the victims,” the message signed by the President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference in Sri Lanka, Bishop Harold Anthony Perera and Secretary General Bishop Anthony Jayakody said.