President Mahinda Rajapaksa advised Education Minister Bandula Gunawardena to take measures to devise a methodology to check on physical fitness and the health condition of students participating in sports events.

The President made the directive following the recent incidents of deaths of school children while taking part in athletic events, especially marathons. President Rajapaksa also advised the Education Minister to obtain the assistance of several other ministries related to sports and health.

Accordingly, the Sports Ministry Medical Unit and Health Ministry will be directly involved in formulating the physical fitness checking methodology. Students will be checked by a doctor or a medical panel prior to taking part in sports events.