Consultant of All Ceylon Tamil Teachers Union (ACTTU) Thambiah Mahasivam told BBC Sandeshaya that there is severe shortage of teachers in the north as many teachers from Jaffna and Vavunia are reluctant to take up their posts at remote schools.

He referred to lack of accommodation and poor transport facilities as factors that stop teachers going to Vanni.

"We suggest the government should allocate hundred houses out of fifty thousand build by the Indian Government in Killinochchi, Madu, Murunkai and Vaunia north to the teachers," he said.

If the accommodation is available then teachers will come from Jaffna and other places to work in the remote areas   Mr. Mahasivam

The proposal was made by union representatives at a meeting held with the governor of the Northern Province Major General GA Chandrasiri and local education authorities.

According to Mr Mahasivam, the governor promised to discuss the matter with the Indian government.

"If the accommodation is available then teachers will come from Jaffna and other places to work in the remote areas,” he added.

Mr Mahasivam pointed out that most of the schools in the north are located in remote areas and journey time prevents teachers from reaching their duty stations on time.

“The best way to stop this is to provide accommodation right next to the schools and it will be an incentive for teachers to take up their posts in the remote schools," he added.