Old is not gold; Unions tell Minister

By Lakna Paranamanna

The Ceylon Teacher’s Union (CTU) accused the Government of sponsoring unethical appointments in the education sector by employing people above the age of 60.
The CTU convener, Joseph Stalin pointed out that the Government has allowed many officials who are currently over the age of 60, to continue their services in the education sector.
The maximum legal age to serve in the public service sector is 57. However, after the age of 57, the three working period extensions can be granted. “These individuals are over the age of 60! It is obvious that these appointments are unethical and are offered solely based on political favours,” remarked Stalin.
He further pointed out that the Education Directors in several districts of the Southern province and in the Kurunegala province are above the age of 60. “There are numerous school principals who are still working but are over the maximum legal working age,” he emphasised.
“There are 11 Additional Directors working in the Wayamba province alone,” he asserted. Stelyn added that even though there are many officials who are qualified to fill the positions of these individuals, the Government still has not taken any steps to remove them from the service.
The CTU claimed that they have written to the President Mahinda Rajapaksa as well as the Education Minister Susil Premjayanth regarding these situations but said that have not received any response yet.