Tight security cordon for schools

Public can’t attend school functions, even school bags to be checked

By Isuri Kaviratne

Government has imposed a ban on the public attending school functions with immediate effect, Education Ministry Secretary M.M.N.D. Bandara declared yesterday. The move came as part of a series of additional security measures put in place in view of the current turmoil.

Schools will be permitted to hold functions within school premises, but they will not be allowed to invite the general public. However politicians can be invited at the discretion of the principal. “Inviting politicians for the functions is up to principals as they can take their own decisions regarding the matter as long as the general public is not allowed in schools. It’s their responsibility,” he said.

Mr. Bandara said the decision to keep the public away from schools or school functions has been taken to prevent unknown persons entering a school. He said the only exception would be where parents of children could be invited for prize giving ceremonies in school halls.

A string of other measures have been put in place by schools and regional education directors. North Western Province Education Director Asoka Jayasinghe said security precautions were taken for schools in the area in consultation with the governor, the Chief Minister, Police and principals of leading schools.

“To prevent school children from waiting for buses on the road, a special transport system would be introduced where buses would go into the school premises so the children going in various directions could get into relevant buses. “This step was taken mainly because in the seven main schools in Kurunegala District alone, nearly 25,000 students are daily travelling by normal transportation”, he said.

The director added that extra security would be given during school hours by the police and the army. Teachers and representatives of parents and prefects would check school premises in the mornings and children’s school bags too would be checked before letting them enter.

“No one would be allowed to enter into schools after school hours except for the people who are running school canteens as they were instructed only to bring food after school hours but that too would be checked before allowing them inside,” Mr. Jayasinghe said. Central Province Education Director Wijesiri Herath said principals were given instructions to limit the instances children gather in one particular place.

In Nuwara Eliya, as part of the security precautions, the services of retired armed forces personnel have been obtained to educate the parents on carrying out security checks. Instructions have been given to check all bags including those of the smallest students to ensure that outsiders do not introduce parcels or even toys into their bags.

In Galle, schools are being closed at different times to avoid a large number of children moving out at the same time. Earlier this week, limitations were imposed on school sports events. For school sport meets, the principals have been instructed to have the competitions as it is necessary to select children for Zonal competitions, but other than that, all functions have been cancelled for security reasons in the schools of the area.

Meanwhile, Education Ministry Secretary Bandara said a decision would be taken tomorrow regarding big matches, after discussion with relevant parties. “Our main concern is the security of the children,” he said.