Staggered re-opening of schools from today

Schools which were closed from 18 March due to the coronavirus epidemic will re-open nearly four months later on Monday, 6 July for nearly 800,000 students in selected grades.

The schools will be opened only for 765,693 students in grades 13, 11, and 5 amid strict health measures, according to the Ministry of Education.

The total number of students is about 4.2 million, and the others will return to schools in several stages. Children in grades 10 and 12 will be able to attend schools from 20 July, and classes will begin on 27 July for Grade 3, 4, 6, 7, 8 and 9. No decision has been taken as yet to reopen schools for Grade 1 and 2.

Secretary of the Ministry of Education Ranjith Chandrasekara said all the schools have been cleaned and disinfected in preparation for the students to return.

The Secretary of Education has further stated that until 10 August, when the schools will be fully functional, teachers should come to the school only to teach for the period they are assigned.