Death of four students: Five teachers interdicted

The Principal in Haliela Vidya Vidyalaya was removed from the post on compulsory retirement, and five teachers including the deputy principal were interdicted on the findings of the preliminary inquiry into the neglect of their responsibility that resulted in the death of four students who drowned in the Medawachchiya tank in Gomarankadawala in Trincomalee during an education tour.

Uva Province Education Ministry Secretary Sandya Ambanwela said two other female teachers were transferred to distant areas. She said action was being taken against the principal and teachers concerned under the Code of Discipline applicable to the provincial state service.

A group of 86 students had participated in the two day educational trip on February 19, and four of the students who went for a bath in the Medawachchiya tank during their stay at the Gomarankadawala Sureluminiyawa temple had drowned. The Ministry Secretary said Provincial Governor Raja Kollure had called for a probe.

Mrs. Ambanwela said action was taken on the findings of the three member committee of inquiry chaired by Passara Zonal Director J.M.Senadeera and the report of the Inquirer into Sudden Deaths A.S.M.Rumy that the accident was due to the negligence of teachers. She said formal disciplinary inquiry against the teachers under interdiction would be held and further action wold be taken on its findings.(Prasanna Pathmasiri)