Students charged for school uniforms

Parents of students of Sujatha Balika Vidyalaya in Kirimandala Mawatha, Narahenpita have complained that the school had made it compulsory for students to purchase school uniforms at Rs.400 each instead of providing them free of charge.

A mother of three said, her daughter who was in grade four along with her classmates had been notified by the school principal to purchase ready-made uniforms at Rs.400 each for the new school year and that those who did not comply with this rule would be punished. The school had also prohibited students from wearing new uniforms with pockets which were earlier attached on the students’ old uniforms.

“If the students did not comply with the rule they would tear the pocket off and question them for failing to wear a uniform which

The school principal had nominated a person who sold uniforms to the entire school. Usually, the government provided uniform material to students who got their uniforms stitched

was provided by the school. Whether they were poor or rich they had to purchase the uniforms from the school,” a concerned parent said.

She said the school principal had nominated a person who sold uniforms to the entire school. Usually, the government provided uniform material to students who got their uniforms stitched.

A former principal of Sujatha Balika Vidyalaya said a number of parents complained that the present school principal had collected funds from the parents for school uniforms, for the school’s security and other facilities.

“There are a number of underprivileged children in this school and many of them have left because they could not afford to pay large sums. The authorities have not taken this issue seriously because they merely want the school to continue functioning and have not paid heed to complaints,” the former principal said.

The Education Ministry said, state-run schools were not permitted to sell uniforms as they were provided free of charge to students and those who violated the government regulation would be penalised. “If schools are charging money for uniforms, the investigative unit of the Education ministry should be immediately informed and necessary action would be taken to address the matter,” ministry officials said.