Despite a strict circular prohibiting schools from collecting funds from students, there are reports that money continues to be solicited indirectly under the guise of parents’ or alumni associations. The full responsibility for monitoring and preventing such illegal collections rests with the education administration authorities, stated the Honorable Governor of the Northern Province, N. Vethanayahan.
A special discussion with officers of the Sri Lanka Education Administrative Service serving in the Northern Province was held today – on Tuesday 10 February 2026, at the Auditorium of the Northern Province Chief Secretary’s Office. The Governor made these remarks while participating in the meeting.
The Secretary to the Governor Northern Province, the Secretary to the Provincial Ministry of Education, the Deputy Chief Secretary – Finance, the Deputy Chief Secretary – Administration, the Provincial Director of Education, along with other senior officials and officers of the Education Administrative Service, were also in attendance.
In his address, the Governor stated that this is the only provincial council in Sri Lanka comprising five districts. In the four districts other than Jaffna, many villages remain isolated, and students in these areas are entirely dependent on their respective village schools.
He emphasized that officers of the Sri Lanka Education Administrative Service should not confine themselves to office work, but instead conduct regular field visits. It is essential to personally assess the physical and human resource deficiencies of schools and take appropriate steps to address them through available financial allocations. No student, he stressed, should be compelled to discontinue their education due to poverty.
Despite the Ministry’s circular, some school administrations have reportedly devised new methods of collecting funds. Contributions are being solicited in the names of parents, alumni associations, or even from overseas sources. There are also reports that certain schools in Jaffna city have demanded money from parents.
Such practices are unacceptable, particularly when the Hon. Prime Minister has clearly stated, “Do not collect money from parents; smart boards will be provided.” Moreover, there appears to be a lack of proper accounting and transparency regarding the funds received through these means. Items obtained as donations are not being recorded in the school inventory registers.
These matters must be closely monitored during field visits, and immediate action should be taken to address any irregularities.
He further stated that disciplinary investigations against principals and teachers have been dragging on for years, preventing them from receiving their pensions. Such investigations must be concluded within a reasonable timeframe to avoid unnecessary hardship.
At the same time, he emphasized that future promotions will be granted not solely on the basis of seniority, but with due consideration given to merit as well.
The Governor also pointed out that a decision has already been taken not to charge examination fees from students, with the Provincial Council undertaking to bear the full cost. Clear instructions have been issued that even if schools conduct the first-term examinations, the Province will allocate the necessary funds to cover the expenses.
It was noted that the allowance due to teachers involved in preparing examination question papers has not yet been paid. In response, the Governor gave a positive assurance that the matter would be addressed.
It was also decided to undertake a scientific analysis of examination results at the provincial level, in collaboration with universities, and to take appropriate measures to enhance the overall quality of education.
Meanwhile, M. Patrick Diranjan, Secretary to the Ministry of Education – Northern Province, stated that in the past, school principals had been appointed as Divisional Education Directors due to a shortage of officers in the Sri Lanka Education Administrative Service. At present, however, officers from the Sri Lanka Education Administrative Service are being appointed to these positions.
During the discussion, assurances were given that officers posted to duty stations away from their usual place of work would receive the allowances due to them.
The officers also highlighted the shortage of vehicles required for field visits. It was further assured that the views of the association would be taken into consideration when formulating the transfer policy for officers of the Sri Lanka Education Administrative Service.
