Decisions on Reopening Schools and Universities, and Examination Dates

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 The Ministry of Education has taken several special decisions regarding the reactivation of educational activities that were temporarily suspended due to the adverse weather conditions affecting the entire island. Accordingly, Mr. Nalaka Kaluwewa, Secretary to the Ministry of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education, stated that universities, National Colleges of Education, and vocational training institutions unaffected by the disaster are expected to reopen from December 08th.

The Secretary also commented on the General Certificate of Education (Advanced Level) examination, which had to be halted midway due to the prevailing disaster situation, during a press conference held today. He emphasized that efforts are underway to schedule the remaining subjects of the examination for the first week of January 2026.

Authorities have taken steps to conduct a comprehensive review of the provincial and district-level situations when reopening the school system. Schools in districts and provinces unaffected by the disaster, where transport facilities, communication services, and electricity supply are restored, are scheduled to reopen on December 16th. The Secretary stated that a swift decision regarding the opening of other schools would be made after discussions with relevant regional officials.

Although a general decision has been made to reopen higher education institutions on December 08th, flexibility has been granted if any institution faces practical issues. In such cases, Mr. Nalaka Kaluwewa further indicated that the authority to decide the reopening date for the respective institution has been vested in its heads.