The Education Ministry has reportedly clarified that its recently announced ban on alcohol and drugs at school-related events applies to events held within school premises, while big matches and events organised by old boys’ associations outside school premises will not be covered by the restriction.
The clarification comes after the ministry previously announced that the promotion and use of alcohol and drugs would be strictly prohibited at any event organised using a school’s name or logo.
Under Circular No. 2026/10, the Secretary to the Ministry of Education has been empowered to immediately prohibit any event at which such practices occur.
The earlier position was announced by Mahesh Rathnayake, Deputy Director of the Co-Curricular Guidance and Counseling Branch of the Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, during a press conference at the main office of the “Ratama Ekata” national operation.
At the time, officials said any event representing a school or using its logo would be considered a school event and that no intoxicating substances should be used at such events. Officials had also said the directive would be strictly monitored, including at major school cricket matches.
However, an Education Ministry official has now told the Sunday Times Newspaper that the restriction applies to events held within school premises and the sale of alcohol to students.
“We cannot regulate what is consumed at big matches, but the ban is the sale of alcohol at events within school premises and sale to students,” the official said.
The official also said events organised by old boys’ associations and others would not face restrictions under the directive.
The latest clarification therefore narrows the scope outlined when the measure was initially announced, effectively exempting big matches and other externally organised events from the alcohol restriction. (Newswire)
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