Fiery baptism for new Principal

Mahinda P Liyanage, Galle Daily News correspondent

The newly appointed Principal of Galle Vidyaloka College assumed duties yesterday amid violent protests by a section of the parents and students.

The new Principal was escorted to the school by a heavy police contingent. Bandula Jayasinghe who was on transfer orders of the Public Service Commission since a few months ago, failed to assume duties as the Principal due to intense objection of a section of parents and students of the college who wanted to retain the former Principal who was subjected to a routine transfer. However, Jayasinghe who arrived under heavy security provided by Galle Police, encountered fierce protests by parents and students.

Parents who opposed the entry of Jayasinghe’s vehicle obstructed his way ignoring police advise. They hurled stones at the Principal’s car causing severe damage to the vehicle.

College students also came out of the school premises and supported the parents’ protest.

Southern Provincial Director of Education Kithsiri Liyanagamage who on information about the dispute arrived at the college, facilitated Jayasinghe to resume duties officially as the Principal.

Four schoolchildren and a teacher were admitted to the Galle Karapitiya Teaching Hospital with injuries following clashes between protesters and the authorities.

Liyanagamage who described the protest as unwarranted and arbitrary, assured his fullest cooperation to the new Principal in carrying out his duties.

Galle SSP Vass Gunawardane who was also present, told the media that a comprehensive investigation would be held into the incident and arrangements would be made to take action against those found guilty of carrying out unlawful acts.