Protest to prevent students seeking re-admission

Four students of St. Thomas’ - Matara found drunk

Residents of the area including the members of the OBA of St.thomas’ College, Matara staged a protest opposite the school compelling the authorities to prevent the re-admission of the four Grade 9 students who had consumed liquor during school hours.

Meanwhile, the parents of the four students who rushed to the scene had a heated argument with the protestors.

Commenting on the issue, Aruna Gunaratne, a member of the OBA who was also a Provincial Council member said the Matara St. Thomas’s College was a leading school in the area with a history of 175 years, and that it carried the reputation for high standard of discipline. He pointed out that it was a matter of serious concern that four students had consumed alcohol during school hours.

“It is sad that schoolchildren take to the bad habit of drinking. The principal, after a formal inquiry had expelled the four students. However, after considering the future of them, they would be admitted to another national school. Meanwhile, the parents are attempting to get them re-admitted to the St.thomas’s College through political influence,” he lamented.

The parents of the four children said the principal had expelled them arbitrarily and claimed they were innocent.

“The Ministry of Education held an inquiry into this and informed the principal to re-admit the four students, but he has organised a protest with the help of the OBA. Our children have been kept at home for five months,” they said.