74 schools with hazardous buildings identified: Minister

• 24 classrooms in a four-storeyed building at Thurstan College, Colombo had been removed
• instructions have been given to the respective schools to evacuate children from hazardous buildings

By Ajith Siriwardana and Yohan Perera  

Some 74 schools with hazardous buildings have been identified, including Thurstan College, Colombo and Tangalle Balika Vidyalaya, Education Minister Susil Premajayantha said yesterday.  

He told Parliament that instructions have been given to the respective schools to evacuate the children from hazardous buildings and that an alternative mechanism is in place to accommodate the children until the buildings are renovated.   

The Minister said 24 classrooms in a four-storeyed building in Thurstan College, Colombo had been removed as the building is in a hazardous condition and that children in these classrooms have been accommodated in temporary shelters around the school grounds until the construction of the building is completed.  

He said the entire building at Tangalle Balika Vidyalaya was demolished and a new building is being constructed with the support of the army.  

He said funds had not been allocated in 2019, 20, 21 and 22 for schools due to the Covid 19 pandemic and economic crisis in the country.  
The Minister said school principals had been informed to be cautious of hazardous buildings in schools and to ensure the safety of the children.

   
The Minister said this while making a special statement regarding the tragic death of a 6-year-old schoolgirl at Weragoda Vidyalaya in Wellampitiya.

• Funds had not been allocated in 2019, 20, 21 and 22 for schools due to the Covid 19 pandemic and economic crisis