(LANKAPUVATH | COLOMBO) –The Ministry of Education has decided to reopen schools that had been closed for a long time due to the Covid epidemic in four phases, subject to health recommendations.
Accordingly, primary sections of 3,800 schools with less than 200 students were reopened today for grade one to grade five classes.
The Ministry of Education says that all necessary facilities have been provided for these schools to commence academic activities.
The Secretary to the Ministry of Education Prof. Kapila Perera told Dinamina yesterday (20) that he hoped that the teachers and principals who are on a strike would come to the schools with the necessary support to maintain the proper functioning of the schools as the children who are coming to school today are waiting for the teachers to arrive.
However, the Teachers’ and Principals’ Trade Union Alliance has said that the striking teachers and principals will return to commence the academic activities from next Monday, 25th October. Education Minister Dinesh Gunawardena said that steps will be taken to gradually open the remaining schools in the island in the coming weeks.
Meanwhile, the health sectors urge students, parents and all others linked with the school system to follow health guidelines strictly.
A set of guidelines has already been issued to schools aiming to prevent spreading coronavirus in school premises. Besides, people who run school canteens are strongly advised to abide by health regulations when providing their services
