Education Minister Susil Premajayantha has instructed all school authorities to postpone sports activities due to the extremely hot weather conditions prevailing in the country.
Minister, Susil Premajayantha, said that a circular would be sent to all schools informing them of this decision.
The Minister has taken this step to ensure the safety of schoolchildren during this hot weather period. He also said that he has observed that many schools have continued to hold sports meets despite the dangerous heat levels, putting the health and lives of students at risk.
The minister has advised school authorities to resume sporting events after the Sinhala and Tamil New Year in late April, when the weather is expected to be more suitable for outdoor activities. Meanwhile a 16-year-old schoolboy passed away while participating in a marathon race during an inter-house sport meet held at Thirukkovil Methodist Central College in Ampara District Last Monday (11) following a sudden illness and open verdict has been given over his death following an autopsy.
The Meteorology Department yesterday issued a warning that the heat index in certain areas of the North-western, North-central, Eastern, Western provinces, and the districts of Moneragala, Mannar, Ratnapura and Vavuniya will increase up to the ‘Caution level’.
The department cautioned if proper safety measures are not taken this may pose a risk to human health, especially for those engaged in rigorous outdoor physical activities. The Department advised the public to stay hydrated and take breaks in the shade as often as possible and limit strenuous outdoor activities.
Subashini Senanayake and Deneth Sankalana