State Minister Dilum Amunugama has come under severe criticism for stating that only one teacher is enough to conduct online lessons for the entire country.

Amunugama's remarks comes against the backdrop of a trade union action launched by teachers demanding solutions to their professional grievances.

Many who criticised Amunugama's remarks on social media stated that the Minister's statement reflected the government's lack of understanding of the difficulties faced by teachers engaging in online education.

Sri Lanka's online education methods have plunged tens of thousands of students into difficulties due to exorbitant data costs and unavailability of digital devices.

The trade union action, laucnhed by teachers, have thrown them into a deeper crisis.