News

Classes for OL students in WP commence today; exam in March

Published

5 years ago

2021/01/25

Sahan Weerasooriya

Covid-19: Re-opening of schools to be taken at district-level

By Shamindra Ferdinando

The District Development Committees (DDC) have been asked to decide on re-opening of schools and related matters following consultations with the relevant authorities as the decisions taken by the Education Ministry seemed impractical due to the varying impact of the rampaging pandemic across the country.

The Education Ministry, in a statement issued yesterday (24) said that the decision to entrust the DDCs with the authority to decide on re-opening of schools had been taken at a meeting chaired by Education Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris a few days before the Minister had to self-isolate after he was categorized as a possible Covid-19 contact. Prof. Peiris was cleared on Saturday (23) following a RT-PCR test.

The Education Ministry has requested that the DDCs, in consultations with Divisional Secretaries and other relevant authorities, take a decision before Feb. 3. The DDCs would have to inform the Education Ministry of their decisions, accordingly.

The statement quoted Prof. Peiris as having said that schools in the Western Province, except those situated in areas isolated due to Covid-19 would be re-opened today (25).

However, the classes would be restricted to those sitting the GCE (Ordinary Level) examination in March 2021, the Minister said.

The examination is scheduled to be held from March 1 to 11.

Prof. Peiris said that the Education Ministry decided on the partial re-opening of schools in the Western Province comprising Colombo, Gampaha and Kalutara districts for the benefit of those sitting the GCE (O/L) examination.

According to Prof. Peiris approximately 79,000 are scheduled to sit the examination.

The Minister said that in spite of some difficulties schools functioned in all districts outside the Western Province.

Prof. Peiris said that of 1,576 schools about 900 could be re-opened by Feb 15 and the other students, too, allowed to attend classes, gradually.

Prof. Peiris told The Island that schools couldn’t be closed indefinitely though the Covid-19 posed quite a challenge not only to the education sector but the entire economy. The academic urged interested parties not to play politics with their efforts to resume schooling. Responding to another query, Prof. Peiris recollected the trying conditions the Year 5 Scholarship Examination as well as the GCE (Advanced Level) Examination had been conducted late last year amidst the second Covid-19 eruption while interested parties propagated scare stories. “A couple of hundred courageous students sat the AL examination in spite of them being quarantined,” Prof. Peiris said, emphasizing the importance of resuming schools under strict health guidelines.

The minister said that setbacks couldn’t be allowed to derail government efforts to get the economic activities back on track.

State Minister of Women and Child Development, Pre-School & Primary Education, School Infrastructure & Education Services Piyal Nishantha tested positive for the coronavirus last week.

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Latest News

Heat Index at Caution Level in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Eastern and Southern provinces and in Monaragala district

Published

4 hours ago

2026/04/16

Priyan

Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 15 April 2026, valid for 16 April 2026.

The Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Eastern
and Southern provinces and in Monaragala district.

The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.

Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned in the above table and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.

ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.
Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.

Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491

Latest News

Indonesian Navy Sailing Ship KRI BIMA SUCI – 945 makes port call in Colombo

Published

9 hours ago

2026/04/15

Priyan

The Indonesian Navy Sailing Ship KRI BIMA SUCI – 945 arrived at the Port of Colombo on a goodwill visit on 15 Apr 2026 and was welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) in compliance with time-honoured naval traditions.

The vessel’s arrival is a key highlight of the ASEAN Plus Cadet Sail (APCS) – 2026 programme , accompanying a diverse contingent of Navy cadets from 26 different nations alongside their Indonesian counterparts.

The ship is commanded by Commander SUGENG HARIYANTO. Meanwhile, Officer Under-trainees of the Sri Lanka Navy are expected to participate in various programmes aboard the
ship and naval personnel observe its operational functions during its stay in the island.

Furthermore, the ship’s crew is scheduled to take part in programmes organized by the Sri Lanka Navy to enhance camaraderie between the two navies, as well as visit several tourist attractions in the country.

News

PM initiates children into learning at the auspicious time while observing New Year traditional customs and rituals

Published

9 hours ago

2026/04/15

Priyan

The Sinhala and Tamil New Year cultural festival, organized by the Ministry of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, was held on Tuesday (14) in Gampaha under the patronage of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, with the performance of traditional auspicious customs and rituals.

In accordance with tradition, during the Punya Kalaya (inauspicious time), the Prime Minister visited the Medagama Sri Sunandarama Viharaya in Gampaha and participated in religious observances and received blessings from Venerable Thunmodara Samitha Thero, a member of the Karaka Sangha Sabha of the Sri Lanka Ramanna Maha Nikaya and the Chief Incumbent of the Medagama Sri Sunandarama Dharmaduta Piriven Viharaya.

The traditional observances of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year cultural festival were held at the residence of Darshana Weerasinghe in Gampaha. Marking the auspicious time for commencing work, and upon the invitation of the host family, the Prime Minister planted a sapling within the premises. Concurrently, Minister of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Vijitha Herath, joined the PM.

Subsequently, the Prime Minister joined children in engaging in traditional folk games.

At the auspicious time for engaging work and educational activities, the PM participated with children in reading and writing, guiding them and symbolically marking the commitment to advancing the educational development of the nation’s children.

Thereafter, the Prime Minister and other distinguished guests observed the traditional customs of exchanging greetings, transactions and gifts with the host family, and joined them to partake in the customary New Year meal.

Extending New Year greetings to all citizens, the Prime Minister expressed her gratitude to all Sri Lankans, both at home and abroad, for their contributions in overcoming and effectively managing the various challenges faced by the country.

Speaking at the occasion, Minister Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi stated that the Sinhala and Tamil New Year festival symbolizes renewal and purity, and reflects the energy of the sun. He also conveyed his wishes for a peaceful and prosperous New Year for all.

The occasion was attended by the Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning and Minister of Labour, Dr. Anil Jayantha; Deputy Minister of Labour, Mahinda Jayasinghe; Member of Parliament for the Gampaha District, Ruwan Mapalagama; along with the Gampaha District Secretary, Mayor, Divisional Secretaries, and a large number of government officials.

(Prime Minister’s Media Division)