Government Moves To Strengthen School Discipline Framework #TTTLiveOnline

Government Moves To Strengthen School Discipline Framework
Education Minister Dr. Michael Dowlath says the Government has moved to review and strengthen the National School Code of Conduct to better deal with incidents of indiscipline, instead of suspending students.

Responding to a question in the Senate on Tuesday, he said while violence in schools will not be tolerated, the Ministry has outlined a firm but rehabilitative approach to discipline.

He noted that the decision has been made to act decisively to protect schools while ensuring troubled students receive intervention rather than abandonment.

“In more serious cases, the Ministry also applies case management, monitoring, and referral mechanisms, including referral to specialised services and relevant external agencies where required. So, Mr. President, the approach is not simply to remove a student from school and leave the matter there. The objective is to correct behaviour, protect the wider school population, and reduce repeat incidents.”

Minister Dowlath said for the period September to December 2025, there were 1,050 student suspensions across the education system with no expulsions recorded. The suspensions were governed by due process under the National School Code of Conduct and were used only where safety and order were threatened.

However, Minister Dowlath assured that the Ministry has been taking firm action to confront school violence while protecting students and staff.

“We are taking a balanced but firm approach. Firm where the safety of students and staff is threatened, and supportive where intervention is needed to help a young person return to a better path. We will protect the school environment, support rehabilitation, and continue strengthening the systems needed to restore discipline, safety, and confidence in our schools.”

The Minister also reiterated that since the implementation of the “Police in Schools” initiative, there has been a significant reduction in violent incidents and suspensions during critical periods such as break time, lunchtime, and after school.

“This government is not prepared to leave principals, teachers and students to face serious violence without additional support. That initiative forms part of a broader school safety strategy aimed at deterrence, improved supervision, early intervention, and greater stability in the learning environment.”

The Police In Schools Initiative was first implemented during the start of the 2025/2026 Academic Year.

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