Govt. to open primary schools, pre-schools in January

• Tuition classes also to be allowed 

By Kelum Bandara 

The Education Ministry will declare the days of opening pre-schools and primary sections of schools in a fortnight, Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris said yesterday. 

The Minister told a virtual news conference that there is a practical need to reopen pre-schools. 
“A lot of mothers go for work leaving their children in the custody of the pre-school authorities. Now it is impossible for them to do so. So, there is an urgency to re-open them,” he said. 

The Minister is expected to meet with Health Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi and the officials concerned to work out modalities to reopen pre-schools. 

Besides, a decision will be taken to open the primary sections of schools. At the moment, schools, except those in the Western Province and other areas isolated due to the pandemic, are open for students from Grade 5 to 12. 
There are over 10,000 schools in the country, but a little more than 5,000 are open for academic activities. Also, the Minister said restrictions on the conduct of private tuition classes would be lifted. 
“We plan for reopening all these sectors in January,” he said.  

• There are over 10,000 schools in the country, but a little more than 5,000 are open for academic activities