Government Aims to Make Teaching One of Sri Lanka’s Top 10 Highest-Paid Professions

Chandana Aberathna, Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government, stated that the government has allocated funds to gradually increase teachers’ salaries in line with its policy framework in order to resolve longstanding issues within the teaching service.

He said the government’s goal is to transform the teaching profession into one of the top 10 highest-paid professions in Sri Lanka.

The Minister made these remarks while addressing an event held at Nagamaduwa Maha Vidyalaya in Wanathavilluwa, where a newly constructed classroom building was officially handed over to students.

Teacher Recruitment Process to Be Accelerated

Speaking further, the Minister stated that the teacher recruitment process, which had been delayed since 2021, is being accelerated this year to address the teacher shortage in the country.

Accordingly:

• Financial allocations have been made to recruit more than 1,000 teachers
• Competitive examinations are expected to be held in the coming days
• Recruitment will be conducted transparently based on examination results and interviews
• No political interference will be allowed in the recruitment process

Education Reforms and Vocational Training

The Minister also pointed out that the current exam-centered education system has limited children’s participation in extracurricular activities and practical life skills.

Referring to recent drowning incidents reported during the New Year season, he stressed the importance of providing students with life-saving skills such as swimming.

He further stated that the government has already begun major educational reforms through curriculum restructuring.

As part of future plans:

• A national-level examination is expected to be introduced for Grade 9 students
• Students will then be able to choose between academic education and vocational education according to their interests and abilities

To support this initiative, around 50 vocational training institutions are also expected to be upgraded.

Concern Over Drug Threat Among School Students

Minister Chandana Aberathna also warned that the growing drug threat targeting schoolchildren is a serious concern.

According to him, drug-related activities have now spread into villages and are increasingly targeting students between the ages of 12 and 16.

He stressed that controlling this threat requires a collective effort involving:

• Buddhist clergy
• Teachers
• Parents
• Government authorities

The Minister emphasized that students must never turn toward drugs and noted that strict measures are already being implemented against narcotics-related activities.