Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya told Parliament that the recruitment of trainee teachers is being conducted according to the prevailing system, though certain issues have arisen due to flaws within that system.

She explained that teacher trainee recruitment is based on vacancies caused by retirements and subject-specific shortages, particularly in remote areas.

The number of recruits is determined by subject-wise needs and the capacity available at National Colleges of Education.

Upon completing the National Diploma in Teaching, appointments are made based on final exam results from the respective education colleges.

Appointments are offered at the district, provincial, and national levels, but if no vacancies exist in a trainee’s area, they are placed elsewhere, as clearly stated in the relevant gazette notification.

Recruits must be willing to serve anywhere in the country, and placements in other regions are made with the trainee’s consent if subject-specific vacancies are unavailable locally.

Despite following the standard recruitment procedures, certain problems have emerged due to system shortcomings, which the Education Ministry is now working to correct.

As a result, the 2020 and 2022 batches have been appointed based on mutual consent regarding placement.

The Prime Minister urged appointed teachers to accept their current postings and later apply for transfers, considering both teacher convenience and student needs.

She acknowledged concerns about teachers being posted far from home, as well as cases where some have remained in one location for over eight years, and assured that these issues are being addressed.