July 12, Colombo: Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Education has decided to close the country’s schools again for one week from tomorrow (13th) until the 17th as the risk of COVID-19 has risen in the past few days with over 400 new cases reported.

The Ministry of Education issuing a statement said while it has been keeping a close watch on the current spread of COVID-19 in the country, parents, children as well as teachers and principals based on the prevailing situation and some false news published on social media, have expressed suspicion and fear.

“It is the responsibility of the Ministry of Education to create an environment where everyone should act with a free and clear mind when implementing a school system based on the safety of children,” the Ministry said.

Accordingly, considering the guidelines issued by Health and Security sectors it was decided to give holidays to all schools and Pirivena schools in the country for one week from Monday 13th to Friday 17th in order to monitor possible adverse conditions in the school sector, the Ministry said.

The Ministry of Education expects this decision to be followed by all private schools, international schools and tuition classes.

However, it is the responsibility of the principals to ensure that the schools that are to be used as postal voting centers are opened on the due date and carry out postal voting duties.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Education said it is keen on ensuring the safety of the teachers, principals and all other education staff in the education system taking into account the current situation of COVID-19 epidemic in the country.

For this purpose, an Information Center has been established in the Ministry of Education with the participation of Provincial Education Directors and Health Promotion Officers on the instructions of Dullas Alahapperuma, Minister of Education, Sports and Youth Affairs.

The center, functioning under the Deputy Director of Education, can be reached at the Hotline - 1988, Fax number 0112785818 and Email- info@moe.gov.lk.

Principals, Directors of Education and other educational authorities can dial this number and send information about COVID-19 in their place of work and the area.

This information center will collect all information on COVID-19 spread related to the schools in all provinces and divisions of the country and apprise health authorities of such information and action will be taken to adopt hygienic procedures.