Situation improving in WP – GL

Education Minister Prof. G. L. Peiris yesterday (1) said that 590 schools in the Gampaha District save Gal Oluwa Al Amman School would be re-opened on Feb 15 in line with government efforts to restore the school system amidst the continuing Covid-19 epidemic.

Prof. Peiris said that in the Kalutara District of the 446 schools, 442 would be re-opened on the same day. Addressing the media at the SLPP office, the Education Minister said that the situation in the Colombo District would be known by the end of the current week.

Declaring that the situation in the provinces was improving, Prof. Peiris said that the Western Provinc, comprising Colombo, Gampaha and Kalutara administrative districts remained the worst affected. However, those scheduled to sit GCE OL examination, from March 1 had resumed schooling on January 25, the minister said, adding that by Feb 15, the vast majority of schools in the Western Province would be reopened for other classes as well. The examination will conclude on Feb 11.

The minister said that the countrywide attendance of both students and teachers last week increased  to 67 % and 88 %, respectively. (SF)