Security ensured by Tri-forces and police to reopen schools

 Education Minister Akila Viraj Kariyawasam 

- Pic by Lasantha Kumara

• Schools to open on Monday under tight security 
• Police officers to be posted outside schools
• Principals briefed on necessary security procedures to be carried out
• Opening of Catholic schools yet to be decided
• Indian volunteering team to provide counselling to affected children
• Compensations up to Rs. 200,000 for affected children

By Ruwandi Gamage

Sweeping security check-up are being carried out within school premises by Tri-forces and the Police before schools reopen on Monday, Education Minister Akila Viraj Kariyawasam assured yesterday with additional measures being taken to protect students. 

The Minister further detailed on how the decision to reopen schools and when it is safe to do so was a decision taken with the consultation of the security forces; and that the ruling to consult security forces was taken by the Cabinet. According to reports, the checks are being carried out since yesterday in all schools and universities.

“We requested the Tri-forces and Police in writing and we have met and discussed with the chiefs and heads of the security forces and taken important decisions regarding the safety of the school children,” he stated.

In addition, while at least one police officer will be posted outside each school after schools begin, principals in schools have been notified about 18 matters regarding security procedures to be implemented to ensure safety in the school premises and of the school children.

“Basic security procedures such as using one gate for access to the school, and use of identification to identify students will be some of them,” he added.

Adding that security will be provided by national security forces outside the schools, Kariyawasam also said that plans are underway as to how security can be further provided inside the school premises at all times, in the future. He also urged the teachers, students, and also the past pupils associations of schools to be vigilant about their safety. The decision of reopening Catholic schools is yet to be finalised, as concerning authorities have requested more time, said the Minister, and the Ministry officials are to meet with the heads of concerning authorities to make decisions regarding the reopening of Catholic schools today. The Minister was to meet with Malcom Cardinal Ranjith yesterday to discuss this further. 

According to the Minister, a group of volunteers from the Art of Living organisation in India headed by Ravi Shankar, has arrived in Sri Lanka to help with the mental trauma the children and the parents are going through post-Easter Sunday attacks; and the Minister was to meet with them yesterday.

“They are to provide psychological counselling and therapy services and they will be working together will local professionals,” he added.

Furthermore, the victims of these attacks, the wounded and the dead, who are children, are arranged to be paid a compensation of up to Rs. 200,000, under the ‘Suraksha’ Insurance policy fund.

The Minister further said that the days that were missed will be covered and thus either the August holidays will be shortened, or Saturdays be utilised to cover syllabus. Also, the application deadlines for O/L examinations and end of term exam dates will be revised after discussions with the Exam Commissioner.