Surveillance cameras to beef up security in schools: Akila

As an additional security measure, CCTV cameras will be installed in schools countrywide, Education Minister Akila Viraj Kariyawasam said today.

He told a press conference held yesterday at his residence that CCTV cameras would be provided to leading schools free of charge and that the government would bear the cost of the project. “Parents will not be asked to fund the undertaking,” he said. 

He said the decision to reopen schools on May 6 was taken following consultations with defence authorities, including the intelligence agencies. 

Accepting that the student turnout was low since May 6, the minister was confident that the turnout would improve. “We expect a better turnout today as the country’s situation has improved,” he said. When asked whether term tests and the GCE Advanced Level Examination would be held on time, he said decisions with regard to these matters would be taken at a meeting he intends having with the education authorities and experts today. 

“We do not intend to postpone exams as such activity will lead to various complications,” he said. He also said a decision on how to cover the lost time as a result of school closure would be taken at today’s meeting. “We will have to reduce second-term holidays or decide to have schools on Saturdays,” he said.(Yohan Perera)

Video by Susantha