Colombo, November 12 (Daily Mirror) - All schools are to be handed over to the respective Grama Niladhari officers today (12) after classes end, in preparation for the parliamentary elections scheduled for Thursday (November 14), the Education Ministry said. 

The Ministry said that the announcement was made last Friday (8), according to which all schools will be closed from tomorrow (November 13) in preparation for the elections on November 14.

Schools are expected to reopen on Monday (November 18) after the elections. The Ministry has informed the Election Commission, Provincial Education Secretaries, Provincial and Zonal Education Directors and other relevant parties about this decision.

Education Ministry Secretary, Ms. J.M. Thilaka Jayasundara, requested all Zonal Education Directors and principals to ensure that school desks, chairs and halls are made available for election purposes.

It was further noted that, based on a request from the Election Commission Chairman, schools used as counting centres should remain closed only for the specific periods necessary.