Education Ministry seeks clarification from CIS

*Yet, Ministry handicapped in taking action due to lack of legal authority over international schools

*Urgent need to monitor, regulate, accredit international, private schools

*Such schools registered under Companies Act only

Colombo, October 9 (Daily Mirror) - Following a 15-year-old girl jumping to death from the Lotus Tower, the Education Ministry has decided to seek a clarification from Colombo International School (CIS) where she studied, an official said yesterday.

Education Ministry Secretary J.M. Thilaka Jayasundare told Daily Mirror that she, immediately after the incident was reported on Monday evening, assigned three additional secretaries and two directors to visit the CIS and seek a clarification on the incident. However, she said the Education Ministry had no legal authority over international and private schools operating in the country, but a report would still be sought from the CIS.

The girl has fallen to death from the observation deck of the Lotus Tower. The police confirmed it as a suicide. Earlier, two of her schoolmates died by suicide.

“It is very unfortunate that the Ministry cannot exercise authority over the conduct of private and international schools. There are some directions from Parliament to take steps to monitor the operation of such schools. Still, there is no mechanism. My officials will be visiting the CIS and report to me on their findings if the school authorities cooperate,” she said.

Currently, such schools are registered under the Companies Act. According to the Ministry Secretary, the authorities of these schools have declined even to submit details citing that they are not legally bound to do so.

Ms. Jayasundare stressed the need to amend the Education Act empowering the Ministry to regulate, monitor and accredit international and private schools.

“At the moment, the Education Ministry does not have a database about these schools,” she said.