CTU questions Education Ministry over three-day school schedule

Colombo, Dec. 15 (Daily Mirror) - The Ceylon Teachers’ Union (CTU) has called on the Education Ministry to clarify the rationale behind conducting government schools for only three days from December 29.

Addressing the media, CTU General Secretary Joseph Stalin said that, according to a circular issued by the Examinations Department, the second phase of the third school term will run from December 16 to 22. A five-day school holiday will then follow until December 28. Schools are scheduled to reopen on December 29 and operate only until December 31.

"Questions have arisen across the school system about why schools are scheduled for just three days at the end of the term. It appears suspicious that this decision may be aimed at artificially increasing the number of school days," Stalin said.

He further criticized the decision, describing it as unnecessary and a potential burden for both parents and students. "As a union, we see this as a useless decision. Therefore, a clear directive should be issued by the Education Ministry regarding the three-day school schedule," he added.

The circular also notes that the first term of the next school year is scheduled to begin on January 5, 2026.