A video shared on social media following the annual colours night ceremony at Sirimavo Bandaranaike Vidyalaya has sparked widespread public debate after a student claimed she was unfairly deprived of a sports award.

The video, which has since gone viral, shows the student making a public announcement stating that she did not receive an award during the colours night ceremony held on December 19, alleging it was due to her failure to attend rehearsals despite her sporting achievements.

Since its circulation, the video has drawn mixed reactions online. Some social media users praised the student for speaking out, describing her actions as courageous and highlighting what they viewed as an injustice. Others argued that the public announcement was unfair to the student who received the award, noting that she was equally deserving and should not have been subjected to public scrutiny.

In response, the Old Girls’ Association of Sirimavo Bandaranaike Vidyalaya issued a statement acknowledging that both the squash player and the swimmer involved had brought honour and recognition to the school through their respective sporting achievements.

The association said it would request the school administration to intervene and conduct a fair, impartial and transparent inquiry into the matter, before a panel comprising qualified sports experts. It added that a report would be made available once the inquiry is concluded.

Until then, the Old Girls’ Association urged all parties to refrain from sharing or circulating posts or statements that could negatively affect the students concerned or damage the reputation of the school.