Teachers and principals unions launched a sick leave campaign on Wednesday (26), against the failure to address salary discrepancies.

Secretary of the Ceylon Teachers' Union Joseph Stalin said a protest will be held at the Fort Railway Station at 11 am on Wednesday (26), with the participation of principals, teachers, and educators.

He said the government should be held responsible for the impact the sick leave campaign will have on the school system.

Stalin said the government provided one-third of the salary recommended by the special committee appointed to address salary disparities in the principal and teacher service last year.

He said the trade union action is being launched demanding the government provide the remaining two-thirds of the recommended salary.

He pointed out that a government sub-committee acknowledged issues within the teacher and principal salary structure and proposed solutions within six months, yet progress remains stalled.

Stalin further criticized the government's reliance on parents shouldering additional education costs. He emphasizes that such practices contradict the principles of a free education system.