(UTV|COLOMBO) – The Ministry of Education has vehemently denied claims made by certain trade unions pertaining to the safety and security at schools.
Issuing a communiqué the Ministry said statements claiming that the Ministry of Education had passed the ball of security at schools to relevant school principals alone are baseless.
In a statement the Ministry said, more than trade unions, a significant responsibility is vested not only with the government and security forces, but also with the Ministry of Education to safeguard school children.
Accordingly the Ministry stressed that full responsibility for the security of schools has not been handed over to school principals alone.
The Ministry said under normal circumstances and during a peaceful environment the responsibility of the safety of school children is generally in the hands of the school principal, teachers and school administration board.
However the Ministry noted that it is regrettable that trade unions are unaware that the safety of school children is the responsibility of every citizen in the country under the present circumstances.
Secretary to the Ministry Nihal Ranasinghe said authorities have stressed on the fact that when enacting precautionary measures, parents, staff and students must unite and discuss protocol to be followed during various scenarios and implement them accordingly.
He noted when implementing such protocols, the Ministry has arranged for the support of the National Cadet Corps, adding he had also written to the Secretary of Defence, the Inspector General Of Police and the Head of Security divisions to support in implementing such protocol when required.
Therefore he called for all parties involved and bearing a responsibility to upholding national security, to assist the student body, teachers and staff in order to carry out their duties during this time.