New guidelines issued to reopen schools in Western Province

• Schools in isolated areas will remain closed temporarily till isolation status is lifted 
• Ministry assigns 26, 27 and 28 March to clean, prepare schools to resume academic activities 
• Directs students not be burdened with exams, competitions as soon as schools reopen
• Instructions given on conducting classes maintaining social distancing
• First term of school scheduled to conclude on 9 April, second term will commence on 19 April

The Education Ministry yesterday issued a special circular containing the guidelines for the reopening of all government schools and government-approved private schools in the Western Province from next Monday (29).

Education Ministry Secretary Prof. Kapila Perera has directed the relevant circular to all Provincial Chief Secretaries, Provincial Secretaries of Education, Provincial Directors of Education, Zonal Directors of Education, Divisional Directors of Education, Chief Prelates of Pirivens and school Principals.

However, schools in isolated areas will remain closed temporarily, until the isolation status is lifted.

The Education Ministry has assigned 26, 27 and 28 March for schools to be cleaned and prepared for the resumption of academic activities in accordance with health and safety protocols.

The guidelines also outlined that schools are being reopened, with priority given to first and foremost helping students reacclimatise to the school environment and activities, so as to keep their mental health in mind. 

As children are returning to school almost after a year, to ensure a pleasant education exercise, the Ministry has also directed that students not be burdened with exams and competitions as soon as schools reopen.

Further, the guidelines presented instructions on conducting classes depending on the number of students per classroom, while maintaining social distancing. 

Academic and non-academic staff members are required to report to work as usual.

As per the Education Ministry, academic activities of the first term of school is scheduled to conclude on 9 April and the second term will commence on 19 April.