Student turnout low as schools re-open for second term

Despite the re-opening of schools for the second term of the year, there was a downturn in the attendance of school children, the Ministry of Education stated.

Additional Secretary of the Education Ministry said, however, the turnout of teachers was considerably higher.

Secretary of Sri Lanka National Principals’ Association Piyasiri Fernando emphasized that the authorities should reach a consensus and establish a sense of trust within the public.

Most of the Catholic schools across the island had decided not to reopen for the second term.

The Chief Prelates of Asgiriya and Malwathu Chapters called on the government yesterday (05) to postpone the commencement of the second term at schools.

Re-opening schools for the second term was scheduled on April 22nd, however, it was postponed until April 28th, following the heightened security concerns that emerged owing to the deadly terror attacks on Easter Sunday (21st of April). It was later decided that schools would be kept closed until May 6 due to continued threats.

The government announced yesterday that the second term for Grades 6 to 13 will commence today, while the second term for Grades 1 to 5 will commence on May 13.

Special cordon and search operations were carried out at schools and nearby areas yesterday (05) to ensure security prior to re-opening them.

The Police also announced specific locations to park school vans and buses in Colombo when schools reopen today.

Minister of Education Akila Viraj Kariyawasam on Thursday said that security will be tightened at schools when the new term commences. He said at least one police officer will be assigned to each school for this purpose.

Meanwhile, the Archbishop of Colombo Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith has requested all private Catholic schools in the Western Province not to reopen for the second term today (06).