St. Thomas’ Prep School closed after portion of building collapses

The St. Thomas’ Preparatory School (STPS), located in Kollupitiya, Colombo has been closed down indefinitely after a portion of a school building had collapsed, just two days before the school was to be reopened after the New Year holidays.

According to internal reports, the collapse could have been tragic if it took place when the school was open.

In this backdrop, questions are being raised over the building standards of the school buildings of STPS, which functions as a private school under the supervision of the Ministry of Education.

Earlier this January, parents of students in Grade 6-8 have also raised safety concerns over the reconstruction of the Middle School classroom block which houses 25- students while construction activities are taking place. They have formally communicated their concerns with the current principal of the school – Fr. Nihal Fernando.

The Principal is yet to reply to the parents and ‘Sri Lanka Mirror’ learns that he had verbally informed parents that he hoped the Old Boys’ Association would respond to the matter since they are funding the construction activities.

Meanwhile, it is learnt that a number of issues have been raised with the Principal’s arbitrary approach over the matter.

It is revealed that the constructions have not been done by a recognized contractor and there had been no independent evaluation as requested by the parents.

Also, another wall in the school, deemed as unsafe, had also collapsed three months ago. This has also been concealed by the Principal.

In the meantime, it is reported that the Principal has not revealed the identity of the contractors as well financial details such as how much was spent on the project.

It is also said that the parents are not briefed on whether the assessments of its renovation were carried out by a recognized, licensed structural engineer or an engineering firm.