Nov 17, Colombo: The Minister of Education Dinesh Gunawardena stated in Parliament on Monday that all grades which have not yet been started in government schools could be started from next week.

Accordingly, at a discussion held at the Ministry of Education, Isurupaya, Battaramulla on Tuesday with the Secretary to the Ministry of Education, Prof. Kapila Perera and other officials of the Ministry, it has been decided that Grades 6-7-8-9 in Government and Government Approved Private Schools should commence from Monday 22nd November 2021 in accordance with the Health Recommendations.

The schools that had suspended the academic activities as the COVID-19 pandemic spread were reopened in four stages on the recommendation of health authorities.

Under the first phase, primary grades were started in schools with less than 200 students. Under the second phase, primary grades in all schools and in the third phase, Ordinary Level and Advanced Level grades in all schools were started. Grades 6-7-8-9 in all schools under Phase IV will begin next Monday.

Accordingly, the academic activities of all government and government approved private schools in the island for all grades will commence from Monday 22nd November 2021.

Meanwhile, the Department of Buddhist Affairs has given permission to reopen all Buddhist Dhamma Schools, which have been closed due to the Covid epidemic from the 28th of this month (Sunday).