The Ministry of Education has requested enhanced security measures for all schools, National Colleges of Education, and their staff and students during the strike launched by non-academic staff today and tomorrow (24 & 25).

The strike, characterized as a ‘sick leave’ campaign, has prompted concerns about maintaining safety and the continuity of educational activities.

Education Ministry Secretary J.M. Thilaka Jayasundara has formally asked Defence Secretary Kamal Gunaratne to ensure the safety of educational institutions across the island.

This request includes safeguarding physical resources and providing security to the educational staff and students. A similar appeal has been made to the Ministry of Public Security to secure state universities during the strike.

The non-academic staff of government schools initiated their trade union action by reporting sick today and will continue this action tomorrow.

In response, the Ministry of Education has issued directives to school principals, instructing them to create effective plans to coordinate academic activities.

This aims to ensure continuous education without interruptions despite the strike.

The Ministry of Education has communicated these instructions to all Provincial Educational Secretaries and Provincial Educational Directors, emphasizing the need for a collaborative effort to manage the situation.