The government has directed attention towards reopening schools promptly while adhering to health guidelines.
During a discussion held at the Ministry of Health it was decided that the policy decisions to reopen schools will be reached by the Ministry of Education while the Health Ministry will formulate necessary health guidelines and regulations.
Minister of Health Keheliya Rambukwella, the Health Secretary, the Secretary to the Education Ministry, Director General of Health Services, senior health and education officials and officials attached to the Government Medical Officers’ Association were part of the discussion.
5,000 schools in Sri Lanka have less than 200 students, while the government hopes to reopen these schools promptly.
Accordingly attention was directed towards reopening pre-schools and schools up to Grade 6 promptly.
The Education Ministry will decide the time frame to reopen schools while attention was directed towards reopening schools within the next two to three weeks.
Meanwhile Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said all teachers and academic staff have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, adding that persons engaged in school transportation services will also be vaccinated promptly.
