Teachers in the election fray flout law by drawing salaries - Trade Union

Ceylon Teacher Union said several employees of the Education Department contesting the Local Government election have obtained their April salary, which is a violation of the election law and the Establishment Code.

 

President of the Ceylon Teachers Union Priyantha Fernando told the media in Anuradhapura that more than 400 employees in the Education Department, including principals, teachers, teacher consultants, and members of non-academic staff, are contesting the Local Government election.

 

He pointed out that any staff grade officer contesting the election under the election law should resign from the post, and others obtain no-pay leave, but 90 per cent of those contesting the local government election have violated this requirement. He said only six out of 48 teachers contesting the local government in the North Central Province alone have obtained no-pay leave.

 

The Trade Union leader said the principals, the teachers, and other employees contesting the election without obtaining no-pay leave have drawn their salary for April from their bank accounts.

 

However, Anuradhapura District Secretary and Returning Officer Ranjith Wimalasuriya said any officer contesting the election without obtaining no-pay leave and drawing his salary is an irregularity. He pointed out that the candidature of anyone who violates this requirement is liable for cancellation. The individuals who had drawn their salary, if any, should return it immediately to avoid disciplinary action.