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Senior classes in three schools closed

by Manjula Fernando

Senior classes of three national schools in Maharagama, Nugegoda and Pannipitiya were closed on Tuesday following fresh clashes between students on Monday.

Following reports of the clashes Western Province Education Director W.B.M. Saddharatne instructed the principals of President's College, Maharagama, St.John's College, Nugegoda and Dharmapala MMV, Pannipitiya to close their senior classes from grade 10.

There had been a growing rivalry between senior students of the three schools since last week when a St.John's school bus was attacked. The decision to close senior classes has been taken after reports that there had been another attack on a St.John's school bus Monday.

"There were several incidents involving school children on Monday but the situation has become normal now. We have not arrested anyone," Colombo DIG Bodhi Liyanage told the Daily News.

He said the police had to be very careful in dealing with schoolchildren. "We need parents' and teachers' cooperation to tackle a situation like this."

Education Minister Dr.Karunasena Kodituwakku said: "The principals of these schools said last Saturday that they can handle the situation. That was why the schools were kept open. But now the situation has got out of hand. There is no alternative but to close these schools until everything cools off."

He said the principals after consulting the parents will decide whether to keep the classes closed until the end of August holidays or to re-open them before the current term ends.

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