Education, Defence Ministries inquire into protests against Brigadier’s alleged abuse of Principal

Both Education and Defence Ministries have commenced inquiries into two protests held by teachers and a group of parents of the Defence Services College at Kompannaveediya.

Education Minister Akila Viraj Kariyawasam has asked senior officials of the Ministry to conduct an inquiry into the incident in which teaching staff protested on Monday (2) against the alleged verbal abuse of the Principal by a Brigadier attached to the school.

The protestors also lodged a complaint at the Kompannaveediya police over the abusive language and threats, and met the Additional Secretaries of the Defence Ministry.

However, on Thursday (5), a group of parents held a protest demanding authorities of the Principal’s removal.

Teacher’s Union President Joseph Stalin said, though the school was registered under the Defence Ministry, the Principal and Deputy Principals are Sri Lanka Education Administrative Services (SLEAS) officers, and the teachers are from Teacher Training Colleges that come under the Education Ministry.

The school has close to 2,000 students and about 100 teachers. “Apart from the school administration, there is also an administrative unit of the Defence Ministry with a Brigadier and nine other Officers. The Principal is a scarecrow, with no role in the school. When a military officer uses abusive language, the students will definitely lose respect for the Principal, as their parents are from the military,” he said. He said this school’s teachers are demanding the removal of the military unit, if not, teachers as well as education sector unions will continue with their trade union action. “This is not a military school. This school was to ensure that children of military personnel feel secure to continue with their studies. The school, despite having over 2,000 students, is registered under the Ministry of Defence,” he said

He said they have requested from both Ministries to admit at least 10% of students sans family military backgrounds. “We do not want to groom children with a war mentality. There are military personnel within the school premises as well. It is not a military camp but a school,” he said. Mr Stalin said the school should maintain and continue facilities such as transport and meals for students. (NF)