Oct 17, Colombo: Minister of Education Akila Viraj Kariyawasam asserted that the Teacher Transfer program, which was not implemented for a number of years, will not be shelved.

Speaking to the media yesterday, the Minister said that he had given leadership to the implementation of the Teacher Transfer program which had not been in operation for many years.

He said that some teachers were used to serving in the same school for 20 - 25 years and therefore, a decision was taken to transfer teachers who served in the same school.

The Minister said that the transfers were made by the Ministry officials in consultation with trade unions. Independent committees were entrusted with this task, he said assuring that no injustice has been caused to any teacher by these transfers.

He said this action was taken to strengthen and update the school system.

Minister Kariyawasam also revealed that the Ministry has received information has that teachers in some schools are working against the transfers. He said disciplinary action will be taken at the ministry level against teachers who incite the students against the implementation of the Teacher Transfer Program.

The Minister also said that a mechanism will be set up in accordance with prevailing policies in future to implement the Teacher Transfer Program in every five years.