UPDATE: Akila denies violating poll laws by enrolling students in state schools

Update : Education Minister Akila Viraj Kariyawasam has denied that the recent enrolment of students in state schools are being carried out in violation of election laws.

He told Times Online that the Education Ministry had instructed principals of some state schools to enrol these students in keeping with a gazette issued before the elections had been announced.

Kariyawasam further explained that students are not being enroled to Grades 1, 5, and 11. Accordingly, he stated that the ministry will explain its position to the Election Commission.

The minister made these remarks after the polls body said it would investigate complaints filed by Principals against the ministry's instructions to enroll students, in the backdrop of an impending presidential election.

Education Ministry, Governors warned against violating election laws

The Education Ministry and Governors have been warned against violating election laws in the run-up to the presidential poll, a senior official at the Elections Secretariat said.

The official stated that the Election Commission (EC) has launched an investigation into complaints that the Education Ministry has instructed the enrolment of certain students in state schools.

The Principals of several state schools have complained against these instructions, which have been issued in the run-up to the presidential election.

Accordingly, the polls body, in a letter has warned to the Education Ministry to immediately stop issuing instructions to that effect. It has also sought an explanation regarding the complaints received so far.

Meanwhile, the EC has instructed provincial governors to avoid using state property under the purview, to promote a presidential candidate or political party, as it would be considered as an offence.

Further, the governors have been informed in writing to refrain from taking part in political activities, citing that the President who appointed them has also decided to remain neutral during the election period.

Any governor who is being influenced to engage in election activities can file complaints in that regard with the polls body, the senior official said.

(Reporting by Damith Wickramasekara)