Protests at St. Thomas College, Matara over allegations of students consuming liquor

A protest was held opposite St Thomas College, Matara against efforts to re-enrol four Grade Nine students who were expelled for consuming liquor within the school.

A tense situation arose when the parents of the expelled students had arrived at the scene of the protest which was being carried out by parents and old boys of the school earlier today (Mar 19).

"These students have been provided a national school to continue their education. However, some parents are attempting to utilise the interference of politicians as means of re-admitting these students" Southern Province Councillor Aruna Gunarane - an old boy of the school said.

He claimed that a secretary at the Education Ministry had written to the Principal of the school calling for the readmission of these students.

However, the parents of the students in question refuted allegations levelled against their children.

"The disciplinary officer at the school had beaten these students and forced them to write a letter admitting that they had consumed liquor. These are innocent students," one of the parents claimed.

The parent further said that the Education Ministry has informed the Principal to re-enroll these students after conducting an investigation.

"Do not blame these students for a mistake they did not commit. These children have been at home for over five months without receiving education," the parent remarked.

(Reporting and pics by Krishan Jeewaka Jayaruk)