Multi-pronged approach to ensure security around schools : Min. Kariyawasam

The Defence Ministry along with the Education Ministry have decided to implement a multi-pronged approach to ensure  security in the vicinity of all schools, Education Minister Akila Viraj Kariywasam said.

The decision to implement a new set of regulations was taken during a meeting held between both Ministries yesterday based on the current situation of the country.

Accordingly, an agreement was made during the meeting to close schools at various times in order to reduce traffic congestion and to implement the relevant security measures.

Further, it was decided to restrict acces to vehicles inside schools. This would mean that the vehicles of the Principal or the Heads of those respective schools will only be allowed within the school premises.

Meanwhile, drivers will not be permitted to park their vehicles just outside schools, Minister Kariyawasam noted adding that vehicles must be parked while maintaining a considerable amount of distance from schools. This too must be done with the presence of the driver.

Principals and parents will be provided special numbers that they could reach out to in case of emergency. These numbers include those of the security forces and the Bomb Disposal Units.

These measures would initially be implemented across schools close to areas where the attacks took place before being enforced in  schools in other areas.

(Reporting by Damith Wickramasekara)