Cabinet approves new circular for Grade 1 school admissions from 2027

Colombo, June 23 (Daily Mirror) - The Cabinet of Ministers has approved a proposal to introduce a new circular containing provisions and guidelines for the admission of children to Grade One in government schools, effective from the year 2027 onward. The proposal was presented to the Cabinet by the Prime Minister, in her capacity as the Minister of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education.

While circular instructions are issued annually for Grade One admissions, the new framework aims to establish necessary provisions to ensure equitable educational access for all children. The core objective of the updated policy is to conduct the admission process with complete transparency while minimizing potential irregularities and malpractice.

The new circular was drafted after considering the views, suggestions, and feedback of key institutional stakeholders, including the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC), the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL), school principals, and senior education authorities. Furthermore, the revised guidelines have been structured to align closely with the country's upcoming new education reforms.