Connect with us

News

Stalin sounds an ominous alarm over govt. attempts to reopen schools before February 15

Published

on

By Rathindra Kuruwita

Opening up schools in the Western Province, without a proper plan or research, was a recipe for disaster, General Secretary of the Ceylon Teachers Union (CTU) Joseph Stalin said yesterday, commenting on the government’s attempts to open schools before 15 February 2021.

Stalin told The Island that there were many schools in areas with a high incidence of COVID-19.

“There are many vulnerable areas within the Colombo City limits. The government has to subject teachers, school staff and others who come to schools to PCR or Rapid Antigen Tests and ensure that COVID-19 patients don’t come to schools. Many children don’t even wear masks properly.”

Stalin said even in schools outside of the Western Province a significant number of students had tested positive for COVID-19. When a student was found infected, only those in his or her class were asked to undergo self-quarantine, he added.

“The situation in the Western Province is much graver. We are not against the reopening of schools. What we are calling for is a proper plan.

Earlier yesterday Minister of Education, G.L. Peiris said that he would urge the government to give priority to teachers in the vaccination programme against COVID-19. The Minister said so after visiting a number of Colombo schools to look into the COVID-19 prevention preparations.



Continue Reading
Advertisement
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Latest News

Landslide Early Warnings issued to the districts of Kalutara, Nuwara Eliya and Ratnapura

Published

on

By

The Landslide Early Warning Centre of the National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) has issued early warnings to the Districts of Kalutara, Nuwara Eliya and Ratnapura from 1600hrs on 13th June 2026 till 1600hrs on 14th June 2026.

Accordingly,

LEVEL I (YELLOW) landslide early warnings have been issued to the Divisional Secretaries Divisions and surounding areas of Palindanuwara and Agalawatta in the Kalutara district,  Ambagamuwa in the Nuwara Eliya and Ayagama, Pelmadulla,
Godakawela, Elapatha, Kalawana, Ratnapura and Nivithigala in the Ratnapura district.

Continue Reading

News

INS Sharda departs Colombo concluding replenishment visit

Published

on

By

The Indian Naval Ship (INS) ‘Sharda’ departed the island today (13 Jun 26), concluding her replenishment purposes.

On departure  the vessel was accorded a traditional naval farewell by the Sri Lanka Navy at the Port of Colombo.

The visit also paved the way for vibrant personnel interactions, fostering camaraderie and goodwill. The crew of INS Sharda and personnel from the Sri Lanka Navy participated in a
friendly volleyball match and a joint yoga session. A

dditionally, Sri Lanka Navy personnel had the opportunity to visit the Indian naval vessel, while the visiting crew took time to explore several culturally significant landmarks across the island.

Continue Reading

Latest News

Special Dengue Prevention Week declared in Colombo District from June 15 to 21

Published

on

By

A decision has been taken to declare a Special Dengue Prevention Week from 15 to 21 of June by the Colombo District Dengue Control Committee to curb the spread of the disease in the Colombo District.

This decision was taken at the meeting of the Colombo District Dengue Control Committee held on Friday  (12) at the Colombo District Secretariat under the patronage of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.

Compared to last year, the number of dengue cases reported this year has increased significantly. According to the National Dengue Control Unit, approximately 39,100 dengue cases have been reported island wide to date, of which 25.8% have been recorded in the Colombo District. Following this situation, the Colombo District has been identified as a high-risk district.

Health authorities informed that the increasing spread of the disease has been influenced not only by the nature of circulating virus but also to the lack of sufficient immunity among the population. They further noted that the recent period of heavy rainfall has aggravated the spread of Dengue.

It was also identified that the current outbreak is being reported more frequently from public places such as government institutions, private establishments, schools, and religious venues rather than from residential premises. Observations have identified improperly managed solid waste and drainage systems in offices and other public locations as major breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

Accordingly, during the Dengue Prevention Week from 15 to 21 June, a series of measures will be implemented, including, organising community clean-up campaigns in government and private institutions, schools, residential areas, and other public spaces; Conducting inspections of high-risk premises by Divisional Secretariats and taking legal action, where necessary, followed by awareness programmes; Distributing informational leaflets, displaying banners, and carrying out public awareness campaigns through the media. Health authorities also requested school administrations not to involve students below Grade 10 in school cleaning programmes and to immediately notify the relevant Medical Officer of Health (MOH) office if a student is diagnosed with dengue.

The programme is expected to receive the active support and participation of the district’s political leadership, religious leaders of all faiths, public officials, local government institutions, the tri-forces, the police, and the general public.

The event was attended by the Chairperson of the District Coordination Committee, Members of Parliament, representatives of local government authorities, government secretaries, police officers, and officials representing the education and health sectors, among others.

[Prime Minister’s Media Division]

Continue Reading

Trending