In the light of the controversy over the questionable involvement of school children in setting the Guinness record for the world’s longest saree fall, it is important to recall what President Maithripala Sirisena said in February, 2015, on his policy concerning the school children participating in state events.

In less than three weeks after assuming presidency, Sirisena, in an interview with Upul Shantha Sannassgala, which was aired on all state channels, said he would not allow any school child to engage in state events.

“I know the way they suffer. I don’t want processions by school children. I don’t want their involvement in state events,” Sirisena stressed, during the interview, outlining his policy.

The President, in the same interview, said he even instructed the education authorities to refrain from using school children for Independence Day celebrations.

Ironically, Central Province Chief Minister Sarath Ekanayake, a member of the SLFP led by President Sirisena, is now at the centre of the controversy involving the school children who were asked to help the couple in setting the so-called Guinness record.

It is interesting to see if President Sirisena will take action against his fellow party man who violated the policy enunciated by him.

The National Child Protection Authority (CPA) also launched an investigation into the incident in Kandy in which 250 children were used to carry a 3-mile long bridal train.