Principal in hot water for displaying...

The OIC explained to the gathering that entry into the school could jeopardise the Prinicpal’s job, as a disciplinary inquiry was pending. The Principal eventually decided not to enter the school.

The controversy arose because the Principal continued to retain the photograph of the former President instead of President Sirisena's picture.

A section of parents, backed by a local politician, forcibly entered the school and put up a picture of President Sirisena, but action was taken against them for their forcible entry the school and against the Principal for his failure to display President Sirisena's picture.

A senior Education Ministry official said the usual practice was that the Ministry issues pictures to schools and education offices, following a change of President or the Prime Minister. However, in this instance, they had not issued pictures.

“There is no circular or proper policy on the display of the President's pictures," he added.