Alcohol and Drug Use Prohibited at School Events

The Ministry of Education has announced that the use and promotion of alcohol, drugs and other intoxicating substances will be strictly prohibited at events held under a school crest.

The decision has been introduced through Circular No. 2026/10, which empowers the Secretary to the Ministry of Education to immediately stop any event where such practices occur.

Speaking at a press conference held as part of the “Ratama Ekata” national operation, Deputy Director of the Co-Curricular Guidance and Counseling Branch Mahesh Rathnayake said the decision follows concerns raised by parents about children being exposed to substance use during major school sporting events, including ‘Big Matches’.

The Ministry has clarified that any programme conducted under a school’s crest will be considered an official school event and will therefore be subject to the prohibition.

The Ministry has also stated that steps will be taken to closely monitor the implementation of the directive.