He should be separated from his mother, who, going by what the zonal education director has told him, has contracted HIV, the minister says.

However, the woman rejects the claim.

The National STD and AIDS Prevention Programme has not commented on this.

Kariyawasam says he has a responsibility regarding the boy, who is from his electorate, which has sent him to parliament take care of them.

According to medical opinion, the HIV virus does not spread through touch or through the air.

Unsafe sex, blood transfusion, use of unsterile syringes and breastfeeding by an infected mother are the only ways of contracting HIV.

Meanwhile, deputy minister Ranjan Ramanayake visited the boy at his home yesterday (05), and using his mobile phone, he telephoned president Maithripala Sirisena.

The president has told the boy’s mother that his education would be guaranteed, BBC Sandeshaya reports.