– A controversy has erupted over alleged fund and donation collections at Thurstan College, Colombo, with a parents’ union claiming the school has been requesting dry rations and school supplies from parents despite the government’s stance that schools have no legal authority to collect money.According to the parents’ association, the school principal recently convened a meeting and urged parents of students from Grades 1 to 13 to contribute dry rations and school essentials for nearly 600 students in 10 schools on Delft Island, also known as Neduntheevu. Parents alleged that, according to claims made by the principal, the initiative was linked to a Health Promotion Program scheduled to be held from June 2 to 4 under the Education Ministry, and that the school planned to distribute the collected items alongside the program.

However, when contacted, Education Ministry officials reportedly said they were unaware of any such program being organized by the school. The parents’ union further claimed that the principal had implied the initiative was being carried out with the backing of the ministry.The association also alleged that parents had been instructed not to publicize the collection drive.Some parents claimed that individual classes had collected more than Rs. 24,000 worth of goods and contributions, while expressing frustration over the growing financial burden amid the rising cost of living.“Parents are already struggling to meet school expenses. We cannot afford to continuously provide funds and supplies beyond that,” one parent said.

The parents’ union further alleged that the school had recently requested Rs. 500 from each student for Vesak lantern decorations.Several attempts by the Daily Mirror to contact the principal of Thurstan College for comment were unsuccessful.The allegations come months after Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Nalinda Jayatissa stated following the February 10 Cabinet briefing that no legal permission had been granted for schools to collect money under the current government.He acknowledged that fund collection had long been a common practice in schools to support various activities, but stressed that the Education Ministry had the authority to intervene if students felt pressured or uncomfortable due to such requests.At the same time, the minister said voluntary contributions made willingly by parents or school groups could not be prevented, adding that the ministry had not received formal complaints regarding the issue.

Meanwhile, the Ceylon Teachers’ Union has also alleged that schools continue to collect money from parents despite the ministry’s directive, describing the situation as “deeply distressing” for many families.