Royal's Principal Gunasekera subjected to suspicion ...

Royal's Principal Gunasekera subjected to suspicion ....

because of strange 'Class 6'

The Department of Education has decided to carry out an investigation on Mr. Upali Gunasekera who presently functions as the Principal of Colombo Royal College for

the past 12 years on suspicion of an anomalous activity that he had been involved in. A communication too has been directed to him yesterday.

What has come to be known as the main reason for this is that students who are promoted to the 6th Standard from the Primary Standard and students who obtain the highest marks in the scholarship exam are being admitted to the 6th Standard of Royal College and in the process a special 6th Standard class too is being filled by other students as well in this school, which process has now come to light. 40 students are being annually admitted to this particular class by charging money unduly and this procedure had been continuing for some time, it has been reported.

Because of the above-mentioned information the Minister of Education, Mr. Akila Viraj Kariyawasam has ordered that an enquiry be carried out against him and to keep him away from his duties until it is over, it was reported. This message had been directed to the Principal yesterday and in the meantime it was reported from internal sources that a petition has been signed by a group of teachers of the school to reconsider the allegations against him.

Whatever it is, the Principal had reported to work today. Officers of the Audit Unit of the Ministry of Education had come and removed necessary documents of the school for investigations, it was understood. According to enquiries at hand, if the Principal is found guilty of some offence, he would of course be expelled from service.