News
School yard hazards threaten lives during downpours
View(s):By Jayanie Madawala
Following the death of a student and injuries to others at Rajawaka Maha Vidyalaya in Balangoda when a tree branch fell during the monsoon rains, the Ceylon Teachers’ Union is asking the government to monitor trees and school buildings.
Speaking to the Sunday Times, CTU General Secretary Joseph Stalin said the safety of students and teachers should be the government’s top priority, adding that there are many hazards on school grounds around the country.
Eighteen students and a teacher of Sirimal Watta Primary School at Wattegama in Kandy were injured in 2017 after a part of the roof of an old building collapsed. Nothing has occurred though the former secretary Sunil Hettiarachchi had alerted officials. The situation remains to this day.
In another incident, a student, 6, died while five other students were injured after a wall made of concrete at Weragoda School in Wellampitiya collapsed. Even at that time, the minister had instructed officials to investigate and report on the death.
The Ceylon Teachers’ Union is asking the government to monitor trees and school buildings after the tragedy
at Rajawaka Maha Vidyalaya in Balangoda. Pix by Y.A.S.Weerawansa
School principals should regularly inspect trees on school grounds for signs of potential hazards, such as dead or damaged branches, hollows, or signs of disease or pest infestation.
“What I’m trying to say is that they have sufficient facts or data. They must set aside funds, put those plans into action, identify solutions, and perform the required actions to remove the required trees and walls. A committee is appointed after a student dies, yet nothing happens. Acting it out is what they need to do,’’ Mr Stalin said.
The student who lost his life at Rajawaka Maha Vidyalaya
Following the incident, the Deputy Minister of Education Madura Seneviratne has instructed school principals to immediately report trees posing safety hazards within school premises to Divisional Secretaries or the Department of Forest Conservation.
The incident at Rajawaka Maha Vidyalaya resulted in the tragic death of a 17-year-old student, while 17 others were injured when part of the Bo tree collapsed onto a school building.
The minister has emphasised the need to act quickly to ensure the safety of students and staff.
The ministry has also made it clear that school officials and other education officials should assure that schools are safe and secure.
According to reports from the Disaster Management Centre, numerous trees and tree branches have fallen at schools in the districts of Galle, Matara, and Kalutara. Near the Matara Central College, a Kottamba tree fell onto a car covered by a tent. Meanwhile, multiple trees have fallen on a school building at Rasnayakapura, which is in the Nikaweratiya neighbourhood.
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