Deputy Minister of Education and Higher Education Dr. Madura Senaviratne has called for an initial investigation into the incident at Rajawaka National School, where a fallen Bo tree injured several students and resulted in one death.
Senaviratne visited the school following the incident and directed officials to submit a report within a week. He instructed school principals to notify the Divisional Secretary and State Timber Corporation if any trees on school grounds appear unsafe.
A three-member committee—composed of two assistant provincial directors of education and one deputy director—was appointed by the Sabaragamuwa Provincial Education Department, said Provincial Director of Education Darshani Iddamalgoda.
Six students remain under treatment at Balangoda Base Hospital, according to hospital officials. Others have been discharged. Vithanage instructed officials to expedite compensation through the Suraksha insurance scheme.
The deputy minister also visited the family of 17-year-old Hiruja Kavira, who died in the incident, and expressed the government’s condolences. He said the Ministry of Education and the Disaster Management Department will ensure appropriate support for the family.
Vithanage directed that construction of a new building to replace the damaged structure begin without delay. He urged school officials to prioritize student safety and report any hazardous trees for immediate action.
Parliamentarians Vasantha Pushpakumara and Sunil Rajapaksa, along with Balangoda Zonal Director of Education Prabath Warnasuriya and other officials, were present during the visit. (Newswire)