The Ministry of Education has issued a formal directive to all school principals instructing them to minimise expenses when organising Sinhala and Tamil New Year festivals and related school events, Newswire reported on Thursday.
The circular comes days before the Avurudu holidays beginning around April 13, when many schools traditionally host kevili (sweet meats) tables, cultural shows and New Year games requiring costume and food contributions from families.
The directive formalises a request Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya made publicly earlier this year, when she urged schools to stop collecting money from parents for ceremonial events as household budgets tightened under rising food, fuel and utility costs.
The move lands in the middle of a visible cost-of-living squeeze. A recent survey found the cost of the traditional Avurudu kevili table has risen by about 7 percent this year, while LP gas, diesel and restaurant prices have all climbed since the Middle East energy crisis began in late March. Consumer Affairs Authority teams have been conducting daily raids on traders accused of overpricing rice, coconut and essentials in the run-up to the festival.
The Education Ministry has not issued a public monetary cap for school events, but principals have been instructed to ensure activities remain modest and do not place additional financial pressure on families.
