Schools in Kotahena warned over street fights

The Kotahena police this week summoned principals and head prefects of six schools in the area and briefed them on measures to be taken to prevent clashes among students. Officer in Charge of the Kotahena police Chief Inspector, H.G.D.S. Amarasinghe said that the meeting was called after a clash between two student factions in the area where students were beaten up with poles and stones.

CI Amarasinghe said that the principals were informed that the students should disperse as soon as school is over without getting into groups and standing by the road side.

He said that head prefects were also informed to help them in implementing the instructions.

He said that the police will take action if the students engage in violence similar to the incidents reported last week.

Earlier this week students from St. Lucia’s Kotahena were seen beating up students of St. Benedict’s College soon after school was over.

An eye witness said that students used wooden sticks, piece of planks and stones to chase behind the student of the rival group and beat them up.

“About 20 students between the age group of 12 and 14 were victims. Some of them ran and hid inside a shop until some of the bystanders including three-wheel drivers inter- vened and protected the children,” the eyewitness said.

He said later they accompanied the student back to St. Benedict’s College and to the bus stands in the area to ensure their safety.

A spokesman for St. Lucia’s said the rivalry had started at a private tuition class and this was the third occasion such an incident had taken place.

He said students of the school will be warned not to engage in street fights.