Schools across the island are expected to be reopened under four stages once the travel restrictions currently in force are relaxed.

A Technical Committee has been set up comprising Presidential Task Force to Prevent COVID-19, Health Ministry and Education Ministry to make recommendations to re-open Government schools, and in compliance with the Committee decisions, schools will be re-opened under four stages, Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Professor Kapila Perera stated.

The Ministry Secretary told a media briefing organized by the Department of Government Information today (24) to educate the people on the re-opening of Government schools as COVID-19 spread is gradually brought under control. The briefing was held at the Department’s Auditorium. 

As vaccines need not be given to children below 12 years, and the pandemic is gradually diminishing, 3,884 schools will be re-opened for students from Grade 1 to 5 under the first stage, he said.

At the same time, students of the age groups 12 to 15 and 16 to 19 will be vaccinated on the full approval of pediatricians soon after the Technical Committee recommendations are released, Professor Perera said.

Provincial, District and Divisional level officials of the Health and Education sectors will be consulted about the plans to re-open schools within this week.  After taking into consideration their views as well as the advice of the Health Ministry and recommendation of the Education Ministry school will be re-opened once the travel restrictions are lifted the Secretary said.

The Ministry Secretary expressed his views at the media briefing on the release of the results of the General Certificate of Education - Ordinary Level Examination (GCE O/L). Results of all subjects except Aesthetic studies were released yesterday (23). The Secretary said that the practical tests will be held when schools are re-opened after the COVID-19 threat eased out.

Professor Perera further said that his Ministry would release a Circular giving the required minimum qualifications to enroll for GCE Advanced Level classes for the convenience of students who sat for Aesthetic subjects such as Dancing, Music, Drama and Performing Art.

In 2020, 170,000 students sat for Aesthetic studies. Out of them, applicants who obtained 5 ordinary passes with 2 credit passes, and skill-level 1,2 and 3 (Distinction, Ordinary and near) under the school-based assessment are permitted to pursue the Advance Level.

Participating in the briefing, Director General of Examinations Sanath Pujitha said that according to the results of the GCE O/L 2020, 75.12% of applicants except those who sat for aesthetic studies, have been qualified to follow Advanced Level.

If any student has forgotten the Examination Number, he or she can dial 1911 and obtain results using their National Identity Card Number, said the Director-General of Examinations. 

He further said an Online system is in place for School Principals, Provincial and Circuit Educational Directors to receive examination results, and those who want examination result certificates they can do so effective this Monday, said the Director General of Examinations Pujitha.

Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Education L.LM.D. Dharmasena also participated in the news briefing.