The Ministry of Education has issued a special circular containing the guidelines to reopen schools in the Western Province on the 29th of March.

Secretary to Education Ministry 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.

Thereby, all government schools and government-approved private schools in Western Province will return to academic activities from next Monday (March 29).

However, if a certain area is isolated due to coronavirus risks, schools in the relevant area will remain closed temporarily until the isolation status is lifted, according to the guidelines.

March 26, 27 and 28 have been assigned for preparing schools to reopen in accordance with the health and safety protocols.

The guidelines stressed that schools are being reopened giving priority to adapting students to the school environment and activities to improve their mental health. Hence, it is not appropriate to direct students to exams and competitions as soon as schools reopen, it read further.

The guidelines further presented instructions on conducting classes while maintaining social distancing. 

Meanwhile, academic and non-academic staff members are required to report to work as per usual.

As per the Education Ministry, academic activities of the first term of school are expected to conclude on the 9th of April and the second term will accordingly commence on the 19th of April.