July 05, Colombo: Sri Lanka’s schools that were closed from March 18 due to the coronavirus epidemic will re-open nearly four months later on Monday, July 6 for nearly 800,000 students in selected grades.

The schools will be opened tomorrow only for 765,693 students in grades 13, 11, and 5 amid strict health measures, according to the Ministry of Education.

The total number of students is about 4.2 million and the others will return to schools in several stages. Children in grades 10 and 12 will be able to attend the schools from July 20 and classes begin on July 27 for Grade 3, 4, 6, 7, 8 and 9. No decision has been taken as yet to reopen schools for Grade 1 and 2.

Secretary of the Ministry of Education Ranjith Chandrasekara said all the schools have been cleaned and disinfected in preparation for the students to return.

The Secretary of Education has further stated that until the 10th of August, when the schools will be fully functional, teachers should come to the school only to teach for the period they are assigned.