Sri Lankan International School in Riyadh Protest Embassy Interference
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- January 5, 2025
- Current Issues
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The entire Board of Directors (BOD) of the Sri Lankan International School in Riyadh (SLISR) has resigned on 29th of December 2024 protesting what they call the “unhealthy involvement” of the Sri Lankan Embassy in the school’s administration.
The BOD, Mohamed Aslam Moufi (Chair), Mass Irham Alameen Jayah, Indika Prasanna P.K. Arachchige, and Siyadh Ahamed Mohammed Zain, took the decision following a series of controversial actions initiated by the embassy, an informed source told Midpoint.lk.
The Sri Lankan Embassy had previously sent a letter to Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Education, urging the ministry to withdraw the recognition of the current BOD, alleging poor administrative performance. However, according to sources, the embassy has failed to provide substantial evidence to support these claims. Furthermore, the Sri Lankan community parents – key stakeholders in the school – were not consulted in this matter.
The Saudi Ministry of Education reportedly accepted the embassy’s request. As a result, the school is now being administered directly by the embassy, a situation that has sparked outrage and concern among parents.
The SLISR operates entirely on contributions from parents within the Sri Lankan community in Riyadh. Parents are now questioning the transparency and accountability of financial matters under the embassy’s administration. The absence of a clear plan or communication has left many parents in a state of uncertainty and suspicion.
The SLISR is the first Sri Lankan international school established outside the country. It has a long-standing tradition of being governed independently, making this intervention an unprecedented challenge.
Expressing deep disappointment and frustration with the current developments, many parents have voiced their concern about the potential mismanagement of funds and the lack of democratic processes in decision-making.
Midpoint has written to Ambassador O.L. Ameerajwad for his response.
