The Panadura Additional Magistrate yesterday released two boys, aged eight and twelve, on bail, after they were charged with breaking into their principal’s office and setting fire to its furniture.
The incident took place at Sri Jina Dharmadhana Vidyala of Keselwatta, Panadura on Tuesday at 4.45 pm. The two boys are students of the same school. They had reportedly set fire to a chair in the principal’s office in anger over being admonished and punished by the principal, according to reports.
Panadura North Police OIC Sanjeewa told the Daily News that when the pupils in issue were produced before Panadura Magistrate, they were granted bail upon consideration that they were juveniles who have not reached the majority of age.
The boys were released on bail, on furnishing Rs.200 000 each, and the magistrate place them in the care of parents, he said.
When asked if the boys had received any harsh punishment, police said that there were no signs of physical harm to the youngsters.
The 12-year-old child had been disciplined by the principal. He was enraged by that. While playing with the other youngster, he had suggested that they set fire to the principal's chair, according to OIC Lakmal.
They are being held on a criminal charge of arson as they have broken into the principal’s room and set fire to it, causing damage to public property. The fire has damaged some of the school’s computer equipment,” he said.
“The investigations are still underway,” he said, “The magistrate set the date for the next hearing on May 11.”
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