The Secretary to the Ministry of Education has been authorized to immediately prohibit cricket matches and other events organized by school-affiliated organizations, including alumni associations, if they use the school’s logo.
Mahesh Ratnayake, Deputy Director of the Co-curricular Guidance and Counseling Branch of the Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, said the measure has been introduced in accordance with the Ministry’s new Circular No. 2026/10.
He made these remarks while speaking at a media briefing held at the ‘Ratam Ekata’ National Mission Head Office on Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo 07.
The Deputy Director said the decision follows repeated complaints from parents alleging that students are being exposed to or engaging in drug use during major school cricket matches.
He emphasized that any event conducted using a school’s official logo will be considered a school event, regardless of which affiliated organization organizes it.
Accordingly, the Ministry will strictly prohibit the use or presence of alcohol and drugs at such events, he said.
The Ministry has also introduced measures to closely monitor and enforce the new regulations.
