The decision to re-open schools could be taken within the next week, Education Minister Dallas Alahapperuma said.

While addressing a meeting in Matara today he said the decision would be taken according to the guidelines issued by the Health Ministry to prevent the spreading of COVID-19 virus among school children.

“The schools in the country were scheduled to be opened on Monday (11) for the second term, but as everyone can see that there is no possibility of opening the school on Monday with the present pandemic situation in the country,” he said.

“We cannot decide on a date but the decision of fixing a date for the re-opening of schools would be taken by the Health officials,” the Minister said.

“Therefore, we would be able to decide on the date of re-opening within the next week. But it is too early to announce a date,” he said.

However, he said that the re-opening would be done on several phases on a staggered basis.
“Lower grade students, including the primary students will not be allowed to come to schools. Ordinary Level (O/L) and Advanced Level (A/L) students will be called for schools in the first phase. Later we would decide on bringing the lower grade students,” Minister Alahapperuma added. (Chaturanga Samarawickrama)