Education sector, the most corrupt

by Dhaneshi Yatawara

The highest number of complaints for bribery and corruption in the state sector was reported from the education sector but proper action has not been taken against these people, alleged Ceylon Teachers’ Union General Secretary, Joseph Stalin.

Stalin told a press conference organised jointly with Transparency International Sri Lanka last week that the Ministry of Education has not taken any action against the 13 schools for taking huge sums of money to enroll children to school.

“The news was reported in late February this year based on information from the Education Ministry. But what disciplinary action has the Ministry taken against these principals following the investigations, Stalin asked.

He added that the circular 5-2015 issued by the Ministry of Education in January this year has established paths for corrupt principals to collect money from students instead of putting an end to corruption.

Pointing out the reasons for issuing the 5-2015 circular Education Minister Akila Viraj Kariyawasam said it had actually limited the millions of rupees errant principals were taking as bribes.

“According to the current regulations no school can collect money to enroll students and any other funds collected need prior approval of the Ministry Secretary,” said the Minister.

The Ministry took disciplinary action against two principals recently for taking money to enroll students, Minister Kariyawasam said.