HODGEPODGE OF TEACHERS
’ MISERY & GOVERNMENT’S DILEMMA
Today, Sri Lanka is fighting a losing battle with raging pandemic of Covid-19. As per latest reports, 321,429 cases have been reported so far with a death toll of 4821 as of 04th August 2021. It also transpired that all hospitals across the country are overcrowded with patients from all walks of life. The Government on the other hand, is somewhat clueless as to how to curb the perpetually worsening situation. This is in spite of the fact that the Government is determined not to opt for another lockdown in view of the bad economic impact already caused by the pandemic. While the Government is sitting on a tight situation, another wave of negativity has emerged from nowhere especially at a time when the cash strapped Government even finds it difficult to purchase essentials like crude oil and pay salaries of Government servants. The Government has many burning issues to focus on, from the economic front than any other national problem. But, it was not to be. All of a sudden, the teachers are now up in arms, demanding higher salaries after resolving their longstanding salary disparities. In the formative stages of the agression, the teachers held protests at major cities and towns even in Colombo but is now likely to escalate to a national level campaign in the coming weeks. The Government’s frustration over this issue was seen at a recently held press briefing where Hon. Minister of Media and Information Keheliya Rambukwelle was going to the extent of branding teachers as ‘Kalakanniyas’ meaning forsaken or miserable. These words of euphemism by a powerful minister further irked the disgruntled teachers on protest. At present, unconfirmed reports say that Sri Lanka Teachers’ Union is in the process of making plans to hold a massive rally in Colombo on 09th of August with the participation of teachers from all corners of the country.
Origin and the Bone of Contention
It all started with the Government’s haste contemplation to pass the controversial Kotalawala Defense University (KDU) bill in the Parliament. This agitation was rather inevitable with all the stake holders in the state education sector rising to their feet against the Government’s intent as it has been the usual form in Sri Lanka especially as concerns education each time. The previous governments which endeavored to bring in whatever pragmatic changes to the education system in Sri Lanka was always resisted by this vicious circle. This time around too, Sri Lanka Teachers’ Union was in the forefront against what they call ‘the government’s hidden agenda to create a parallel administration’ similar to the University Grants Commission (UGC). Some agitators lamented that the government is on a secret mission to militarize the free education in Sri Lanka. These protests held in Colombo was mainly spearheaded by Joseph Stalin, the General Secretary of Sri Lanka Teachers’ Union. In one such campaign, he and some supporting protestors were arrested by the Police. Upon production in courts, he and his supporters were enlarged on bail only to be taken to a quarantine center by force in arid Mullaitivu for 14 days. Many independent analysists were of the opinion that it was a highhanded or bandit act by the government. On the other hand, the government also has every right to do so under the prevailing health guidelines which the protesting teachers grossly violated. However, this prompted Sri Lanka Teachers’ Union to ignite a fresh protest of higher magnitude this time on hitherto submerged salary issue which they claim, has been remaining unsolved for 24 years.
Political Backing and Invisible Hand
Many people blame Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) for steering the protests behind the curtain although they consistently refute. One experienced lady teacher from Anuradhapura has told the columnist that the leftist aligned trade unions are surely behind this sudden calamity, directly referring to JVP. She stated that most of the principals and influential teachers are on the pay roll of JVP whereas they have no option but to support whatever a protest launched by the party, leave alone the reason. She further went on to say that the principals and teachers who are towing the JVP line, are well looked after by the party. She added that JVP is funded by Sri Lankan diaspora overseas. She was also bold enough to let her feelings be known saying it is not the right time to protest against a troubled government. Meanwhile, a deputy principal from Bandarawela who openly stands with JVP had a different opinion about the whole situation. He commented that it is true that this problem has been in existent for 24 years to date and no previous Government has genuinely attempted to find a lasting solution. He also admits that it is not the right time to take to streets but was annoyed by the government’s attitude for lambasting the movement over the Government controlled media. He insisted that the Government talks to the unions and come to a consensus which is a possibility but the Government is evenly defiant. Besides, he was of the view that some officials of parallel state administrative services are envious of their struggle because if the salary disparities are done away with, the teachers would be almost on par with their salary scales and status. He observed that some corrupt officials are craftily blocking the avenues for a salary hike for teachers.
Social Responsibility
Despite the pandemic being at a critical stage, the agitators were able to muster large crowds for the protests who apparently had scant regard for health guidelines issued by the Government. The health authorities are concerned about the danger posed by this situation. The social spreading of deadly Delta variant of Covid-19 has taken a heavy toll in every nook and corner of the country since of late. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka Police sought court intervention to stop protests but was turned down. Both belligerent parties stick to their guns so stubbornly. In a situation with health hazards, both parties need to compromise on a workable solution rather than fighting head on because they all are bound by the social responsibility at this critical hour after all. Many people believe that both parties should come to a negotiating table and iron out their differences to make a joint commitment on the issue, failing which the whole nation will head for a disaster soon.
