Jan 16, Colombo: Permission has been granted to conduct tuition classes which have been suspended due to the COVID-19 epidemic, from the 25th of this month in all areas except the Western Province and isolated areas, the Director-General of Health Services, Dr. Asela Gunawardena said.

A circular was issued yesterday (15) regarding the conduct of tuition classes, the health official said addressing a media briefing today at the Ministry of health.

According to the circular, tuition classes except in the Western Province are permitted from January 25. A tuition class can only accommodate up to 50% of the seating capacity and a maximum of 100 children.

The Ministry requested the tuition classes be opened only for GCE Ordinary Level and GCE Advanced Level. Then other tuition classes can be opened depending on the situation in the country. Guidelines have been issued on how tuition classes should be conducted, the timing of the classes, and the cleaning of the classes. All that is contained in the circular.

“Teachers who conduct tuition classes are requested to follow these health instructions. This opportunity has been given at a time when COVID patients are still being reported from certain places. Therefore, it is the responsibility of all to ensure that tuition classes are not a risk center for the spread of the virus,” the official said adding that no permission granted to cross districts for tuition classes. “Only children and teachers within the districts can conduct the classes.”

The Director General of Health Services said that the conduct of tuition classes in the Western Province would be further delayed and that it had been decided to allow the commencement of tuition classes two weeks after the commencement of schools in the Western Province. He added that tuition classes in the area could not be held if curfew was imposed or travel was restricted.