Unions still undecided on ending protests

By Rathindra Kuruwita

The Principals and teachers unions had not yet decided to change their tactics to win their demands, Ceylon Teachers Union (CTU) General Secretary, Joseph Stalin told The Island yesterday.

When asked whether they would change tactics, after a number of health unions and prominent individuals, including former election commissioner Mahinda Deshapriya called for an end to public protests, Stalin said that they would soon meet a number of stakeholders and take a decision.

“We also need a solution to our issues. A number of politicians have made claims that our issues will be solved soon. Unfortunately, most principals and teachers don’t believe them. How can we trust them? The government must give us something concrete to work with,” he said.

Stalin also criticised the arrest of principals, teachers and political and student activists including the convener of the Inter-University Students Federation (IUSF) Wasantha Mudalige, FSP’s Chameera Koswatta and Koshila Perera. “Is this the behaviour of a government that wants to resolve issues?” Stalin asked.