The decision to fully functioning of all schools in the Western Province (WP) will take place after two weeks, Education Minister G.L Pieris said.

When speaking to the media today, the minister said the Government hopes to bring the COVID-19 vaccine in the first week of February and would start giving it in the second week of the same month.

"It is the main objective, and it is time to start all schools in Colombo, Gampaha and Kalutara districts after discussing with the relevant authorities," he said.

"Schools cannot be kept closed, as there is already a plenty of criticism," he said.

However, we could manage to open schools last Monday (11), except the above three districts. "59% of students attended schools, while 88% of the teachers reported for duty at schools," Prof. Pieris said.

We are ready to hold discussions with the President and health authorities in two days, he said.

There will be a discussion tomorrow with the Education Ministry Secretary, senior officials, health officials, members of the Task Force and with the Western Province Governor, the Minister added. (Chaturanga Samarawickramam)