He told Sri Lanka Mirror that the government should ensure that uniform material given is of suitable quality.

As pointed out previously, there are local manufacturers who can supply quality clothing material, said Jayasinghe.

The ministry decision is foolish and will lead to major irregularities, he added.

Ceylon Teachers Union secretary Joseph Stalin said the issue here is with regard to the tender process.

Providing schoolchildren with free uniforms and textbooks is part of free education, he noted.

The ministry decision will endanger that free education, he added.