Artigala can remain in school till the case is supported

By Teles Anandappa

The Court of Appeal issued notice on the Education Ministry to appear in Court on October 17 in a case where a student had filed a petition requesting permission to remain in school despite an Education Ministry circular stating that those students who failed a compulsory subject the second time must leave school.

The petitioner Artigalage Hashan Niroshan Artigala of Isipathana Vidyalaya who filed the petition claimed he was a victim of the controversy over the rugby match played against Royal College.

He said the general practice in the school has been that any student who was unsuccessful in passing the O/Level examination in one sitting or is awaiting the results of a re-correction is given the chance of remaining in school

He further states that he is a member of the first fifteen Rugby team of Isipathana.

He states that as a result of this controversy he was being denied the opportunity to continue his education and participate in sports activities and he would not be able to sit the O/L exam again as the closing date for private candidates has lapsed.

The Court comprising Justices K.Sripavan and Eric Basanayake directed that the student petitioner could remain in the school until the case is supported.The petitioner cited Additional Secretary (Education Quality Development) of the Education Ministry W. Dharmadasa, the Education Ministry Secretary, Deputy Director of Education W.K. N. Wijetunge, Principal Isipathana College K.A.D. Punyadasa and Royal College Principal Upali Gunasekera as respondents.

President’s Counsel Faiz Mustapha appeared for the petitioner. Attorney Viran Corea appeared for the Principal of Isipathana College.