Ready for talks if union leaders are released

(FASTNEWS | COLOMBO) – The Ceylon Teachers’ Union says it is only prepared to hold discussions with Minister of Education Professor GL Peiris if the trade union leaders directed to quarantine are released.

Chairman Priyantha Fernando said today marks the fourth day since teachers withdrew from online teaching activities.

He noted they are prepared to hold discussions, adding however the strike will continue.

Fernando said while there are several concerns the first condition of the unions is to release the group including Secretary of the Union Joseph Stalin.

He noted PCR tests have confirmed that they had not contracted COVID-19, adding generally COVID-19 patients are also not kept in quarantine for over 10 days.

Fernando said therefore the union leaders being held in quarantine is an act of revenge and therefore requested for them to be released. if favourable decisions are reached during the discussions, the strike will be called off.