SL school in Doha will not be closed - Envoy

Sri Lankan Ambassador to Qatar, Professor W. M. Karunadasa, yesterday stressed that the Stafford Sri Lankan School Doha will not be closed. His assurance came in the wake of suspicions that has been circulating in the community following a letter issued by the Embassy on conducting board meetings of the school.

"There are rumours going on about the school and it has created fear among the community whether the Sri Lankan Embassy will close down the school. That fear was generated after a letter issued by me with regard to conducting board meetings," Professor Karunadasa said, adding that at least half of the school's board of governors are required to attend meetings, according to the school constitution.

"When the school sent minutes of board meetings without a quorum, I sent a letter requesting it to abide by the school constitution," said Prof. Karunadasa said.

According to him the school management misinterpreted the letter causing the said confusion. "I have no intention to close down the school but to expand it on the new premises which has been handed over to us by Qatar government," he said, adding the school management has to be transparent and work in coordination with the Embassy.

He said action will be taken to dissolve the board if the school management continues to violate its constitution and fails to work with the embassy. The school was opened in October 2001 and since 2011 it has been affiliated to the Sri Lankan Embassy and runs as a non-profit organization.

However, Founder Chairman of the school, Kumudu Fonseka said the school is run according to its constitution, a proper audit has been submitted to the embassy and steps have been taken to construct school buildings on the new premises.