The Ministry of Education has taken steps to immediately transfer the school teacher of a Colombo girls’ school related to the death of a schoolgirl in Kotahena recently.

Issuing a statement, the Education Ministry said its attention has been focused on the tense situation linked to the school located in Bambalapitiya.

The ministry said it had summoned the school principal for an explanation, after which it had transferred the schoolmaster involved in the matter, with immediate effect. 

The Education Ministry further said that the Police investigation report related to the incident has been requested, based on which necessary disciplinary measures will be initiated. Further investigations are underway into the matter, it added.

The 16-year-old girl had died by suicide in Kotahena recently, after which her parents alleged that her death was linked to her being sexually abused by a male teacher at the school and also being humiliated at a private tuition institute in front of fellow students over the incident.

Following a complaint filed at the Bambalapitiya Police, the accused teacher was arrested but later released on bail. 

A protest was held in front of the school today, seeking justice for the 16-year-old girl. The protesters called for the immediate suspension and arrest of the accused male school teacher, while they also shared displeasure over the school principal, whom they have accused of having shielded the perpetrator.