PM clarifies MPs not barred from school visits

Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya has clarified in Parliament that there is no restriction preventing local Members of Parliament from attending school events.

MP Hesha Withanage had raised the issue during the parliamentary sitting held on (10), asking whether the government’s earlier policy decision to restrict politicians from participating in school ceremonies was still in effect.

In response, the Prime Minister said the government remains firmly opposed to the use of school events for political activity, both now and in the future.

She explained that the policy was introduced specifically to prevent the political exploitation of school children and events.

“We are opposed to using school events for political purposes or involving children in political activity. We were against it then and we are against it now. I don’t think any of our 159 members are doing that,” she said.

However, she clarified that MPs are not prohibited from visiting schools in their constituencies or nearby areas to observe or attend events.

“What we oppose is the politicisation of schools and the misuse of children and the education system for political purposes. That is what we have said should not happen,” she added.