The government plans to recruit more than 23,000 graduates into the national teaching service, Prime Minister and Education Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya said at Ananda College, Colombo, on World Teachers’ Day on 6 October.
Speaking at the “Guru Pratibha Prabha – 2026” National Teacher and Principal Commendation Ceremony, she said the government would raise teacher salaries and protect their professional status despite financial constraints.
She also announced a proposed National Education Council to address teachers’ professional grievances and ease administrative problems they face.
Dr. Amarasuriya said the five-pillar education reform, which began at Grade One level in 2026, would continue with feedback from teachers.
At the ceremony, 71 school principals were named Principal of the Year and 62 educators Teacher of the Year. Schools were also honoured under the first phase of the Excellence Practice Awards.
Deputy Minister of Education and Higher Education Dr. Madhura Seneviratne said the proposed council would support continuous professional development and give talented teachers a clear route to advance without administrative hurdles.
