Minister of Education Dr. Michael Dowlath has assured that any student who is arrested and expelled for misconduct will not be abandoned.

Responding to a question in the Upper House from the Opposition bench, Minister Dowlath said the government has measures in place to ensure rehabilitation and alternative education.

“Through partnership with the Ministry of Homeland Security and Sports and Youth Affairs, students removed from the school system may be channelled into programmes such as MiLAT, the Youth Training and Employment Partnership Programme (YTEPP), and SERVOL. These institutions provide structured training in literacy, life skills, and vocational development alongside discipline and rehabilitation. Secondly, alternative education pathways. Even where expulsion becomes necessary, students of compulsory school age are referred to alternative education institutions and rehabilitation programmes, ensuring they continue to receive structured instruction and guidance rather than being left on the margins of society.”

Dr. Dowlath said reintegration support will also be available.

“Upon release or completion of their sentences, students are evaluated for re-entry into alternative education or vacation programmes, so that they are never permanently excluded from learning and personal development.”