Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa called on the government to recruit Development Officers into the teaching service, citing their long-standing role in addressing the country’s teacher shortage.
He said the officers have served for five to 10 years in schools across the country, contributing significantly to mitigating the shortage of teachers. He noted that nearly 22,000 Development Officer teachers had strengthened the free education system through written recommendations from the Ministry of Education and zonal offices, with Cabinet approval and recommendations from the Public Service Commission.
Sajith said that although repeated assurances had been given to absorb them into the teaching service, about 5,000 officers have since left. Around 17,000 officers are currently continuing to provide what he described as an outstanding service in addressing the teacher shortage.
He also pointed out that the current government, while in opposition, had promised to recruit these Development Officers into the teaching service.
According to a compromise proposal, the officers could be recruited as trainee teachers under Grade 2.2 and later be confirmed as permanent teachers upon completing a postgraduate qualification. Despite this, Sajith said government ministers have stated that it is not possible to absorb Development Officers into the teaching service.
He further said that government representatives did not make such claims during the election period and accused the authorities of misleading Development Officers who are currently serving as teachers. (NewsWire)