Brain drain a major problem: Sirisena

• Teaching appointments to 500 graduates who passed Western Province Teaching Exam

Professionals leaving the country have become a significant impediment to development, President Maithripala Sirisena said yesterday calling on Sri Lankans who have benefitted from free education to fulfill their duty to their country.  

He made these remarks while participating at a ceremony held at the Nelum Pokuna Theatre to present teaching appointments to 500 graduates who passed the Western Province Teaching Exam.

The President noted that a country filled with professionals moves towards development rapidly. He also said that the assistance of the scholars and intellectuals is essential in achieving economic prosperity and development of the country.  

President Sirisena drew the attention of the officials regarding the issues prevailing in the teaching service. 

While the Government is spending a huge sum of money on free education and to provide facilities, President Sirisena explained the need of an immediate program to solve the internal issues in order to solve the problems in the teaching service. He said that there is a necessity to enter a broad and efficient program in collaboration with the Government, provincial councils and Ministry of Education, and all the institutions.

The teachers’ appointment letters were given today to cover the vacancies of the teaching service within the Western Province for commerce, arts, science, mathematics, ICT, as well as Tamil medium graduates.

Symbolising the distribution of appointment letters, the President handed over 15 letters to new graduate teachers.

The Governor of Western Province Hemakumara Nanayakkara, Chief Minister Isura Devapriya, Western Province Education Minister Ranjith Somawansa, Provincial Ministers Gamini Thilakasiri, Sumithlal Mendis and Lalith Wanigarathne, Western Province Secretary of Education S. G.Wijewardena and others participated on this occasion.