Ministry of Education Announces School Calendar from December to March

The Ministry of Education on Monday announced a revised school calendar covering the period from December to March, outlining school reopening dates, exam-related holidays, and special measures introduced following recent natural disasters. Schools in the Western, Southern, Northern, Sabaragamuwa, Eastern, and North Central Provinces will reopen on Tuesday, December 16, the Ministry stated.

 However, 640 schools in Uva, North Western, and Central Provinces will remain closed due to prevailing difficulties. Of the closed schools, 524 are located in Uva Province, where transport disruptions have made it unsafe for students and teachers to commute. Education officials stated that schools in Uva Province would reopen as soon as transport conditions improve. The Ministry added that five more schools in the North Western Province and 111 schools in the Central Province would also remain closed. According to the revised calendar, schools that reopen will close again for the Christmas holiday from December 22 to December 28, with classes resuming on December 29.

Mr. Nalaka Kaluwawa, Secretary to the Ministry of Education, stated that schools would be closed from January 12 to January 20 at the request of the Commissioner of Examinations to complete the remaining papers of the General Education Advanced Level Examination. 

This decision was made to ensure the smooth conduct of the remaining Advanced Level papers without any disruptions, Mr. Kaluwawa added. The Ministry further stated that schools would again be closed from February 14 to March 2 to facilitate the Ordinary Level Examinations.

The Ministry also announced that the third-term school examinations for 2025 have been canceled nationwide. Officials stated that this decision was made to alleviate the pressure on students and teachers affected by recent natural disasters. As a relief measure in affected areas, schools will not strictly enforce dress code requirements. During this period, wearing school uniforms will not be compulsory for students, and 

teachers will not be required to wear formal attire. Officials also stated that students affected by school closures would be permitted to attend the nearest school to their home until normal activities resume, regardless of their usual school. Education authorities said these measures aim to ensure student safety and minimize disruptions to learning while adhering to examination schedules.

 Key School Calendar Dates: December 16: Schools in six provinces reopen, except for 640 schools in Uva, North Western, and Central Provinces. December 22–28: Christmas Holiday December 29: Schools reopen after Christmas holiday January 12–20: Schools closed for completion of Advanced Level Examinations February 14–March 2: Schools closed for Ordinary Level Examinations The Ministry added that further updates would be issued if additional adjustments to the academic schedule are required.