Allergy shuts down Gampola school:

Nearly 1,000 students affected

Indika POLKOTUWA and Gampola Group Corr S N Godamunna

Around 1,000 students of Jinaraja Girls School, Gampola were hospitalized yesterday morning after developing symptoms of allergy, including drowsiness, itching, rashes and breathing difficulty. More than 150 students were warded while the others were discharged after initial treatment.

None of the teachers were among the victims, according to Gampola Base Hospital Director Sarath Weerabandara.

The symptoms developed when the girls gathered at the school playground for the assembly. Health Authorities in the area believe a certain species of insects might have caused the symptoms.

The school has over 1,500 students and a teaching staff of 50.Central Province Chief Minister Sarath Ekanayake has directed education officers and Health Officials to conduct an investigation in to the incident. The provincial education office decided to close the school today and tomorrow to assure students safety and to pave the way for speedy investigations.