Schools prohibited from forcing students to welcome dignitaries

The education ministry has instructed schools to stop forcing students to welcome visiting dignitaries and government officials, ending a decades-old practice.

Lining up school children at the jetty for long periods, often unprotected from the sun, was detrimental to their health, states a circular issued Monday.

The practice was unnecessary and students and parents lose valuable time, it added.

Welcome ceremonies with school children and traditional dance items when government officials, state dignitaries and party leaders arrive on islands is a longstanding tradition.