The schools in the Western Province (WP), except in isolated police areas will be reopened from tomorrow (January 25) for the schoolchildren who sit for the GCE (Ordinary Level) Examination, Education Minister Prof. G.L Peiris said.

He said the O/L examination will be held for eleven days from March 1 and a total number of 79,000 candidates will face the examination from the WP. 

He said the decision was taken to expedite their missed academic activities. 

A few days earlier, the Education Minister had a lengthy discussion with ministry officials, health authorities and the WP Education Director regarding the opening of schools in the WP. 

"It is not practical to convey a common decision on all schools through the District Development Committees. It was suggested that decision on this would be the most appropriate course of action," the Minister said.

He also requested the District Development Committee Chairmen, Government Agents and Regional Health Officers, who have been informed to take action and provide full cooperation in connection with this.

There are 1, 576 schools in the WP and 900 schools are eligible to open according to the health guidelines, he said.

The decision to open schools gradually in the WP would be taken considering the situation on February 15, Minister Pieris said. (Chaturanga Samarawickrama)