Strong action against Southlands principal

Principal of Southlands College, Galle, Shanthi Seneviratne will be investigated over alleged abuse of power, audit irregularities and other charges, says education minister Akila Viraj Kariyawasam.

Following the accusations against her, Seneviratne got herself transferred to the provincial education office, but refused to handover duties of the school when her successor Sandya Pathirawasam arrived to take charge.

She has told Pathirawasam that she would leave only after the conclusion of the term tests and a farewell party.

Over these two matters too, Seneviratne will be investigated, the minister has told BBC Sandeshaya.

She has also been accused of cancelling several aesthetic subjects and making the teachers for those subjects to leave the school.

Kariyawasam said he was not aware of such an incident, adding that a principal had not right to change a curriculum.

Teachers, parents and past students have divided into two groups in support of and against Seneviratne.

Girl attacked at protest

Meanwhile, a girl has been manhandled during a protest demanding the cancellation of the principal’s transfer.

Courts have ordered Galle police to examine a video of Chamika Sandamini Adihetti being attacked for speaking against Seneviratne.

Adihetti has been admitted to hospital, while a woman has been arrested on suspicion and subsequently released on police bail.

When BBC Sandeshaya tried to obtain a comment from Seneviratne via telephone, she said the school’s activities were going on smoothly, and disconnected the line.