September 06, Colombo (LNW): The Education Ministry has introduced a strict new measure prohibiting the promotion, distribution or consumption of alcohol and drugs at events held under a school’s name or logo.
Under the new directive, the Ministry Secretary will have the authority to halt an event immediately if evidence emerges that alcohol or drugs are being promoted or used.
The decision follows growing concern among parents about students encountering alcohol and illicit substances at large school sporting events, particularly high-profile cricket matches that attract thousands of spectators.
Speaking at a media briefing at the headquarters of the ‘Rata Ma Ekata’ national programme, Mahesh Rathnayake, Deputy Director of the Co-Curricular Guidance and Counselling Branch of the Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, said the policy would apply broadly to programmes conducted under a school’s official identity.
Rathnayake explained that organisers would not be able to avoid the restrictions simply by classifying an activity as an external or independently organised function if it was being conducted using the school’s logo or name.
The Ministry’s position is that school branding carries a responsibility to maintain an environment that protects students and upholds appropriate standards of conduct. Events associated with schools will therefore be expected to operate without the promotion or use of alcohol and drugs.