MOHAMED ZAHRAN
COLOMBO : noStudents of a leading government girls’ school in Colombo 12 received their “Suraksha” –Protect forever the children of the Nation- Certificate of Insurance, covering health, life, and personal accident on April 22, 2025. The initiative, with the Ministry of Education (MOE) collaborating with Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation General Limited (SLIC), a state-owned entity, is a noteworthy step in safeguarding student well-being, especially as rising medical costs continue to burden many families.
However, the timing raises eyebrows. With local government elections scheduled for May 6, 2025, one must question whether launching this welfare scheme now is ethically sound. Is it appropriate for the Government of Sri Lanka ( GOSL) /MOE/SLIC to implement such benefits so close to an election? Could this move be interpreted as influencing public sentiment in violation of election regulations?
It is now up to Mr. R.M.A.L. Rathnayake, Commissioner of Elections, to clarify whether this action by the Government /Ministry falls within its legal bounds.
Mohamed Zahran
Colombo
