All WP schools will re-open on March 15: Edu. Minister

The decision to re-open schools in WP from Feb. 15 was not permitted

• The decision was taken following the permission given by the Director General of Health Services

By Chaturanga Samarawickrama  

All schools in the country including Western Province (WP) will be re-opened on March 15, Education Minister G.L. Pieris said.   

Addressing the media at the Ministry yesterday he said the decision was taken following the permission given by the Director General of Health Services (DGHS).   
The Ministry has decided to issue a common notice to all schools in the WP.  

Therefore, the recommendations given by the Divisional Secretariat coordinating committees have been taken into consideration and produced  to the Health Ministry, he said.  
However, the GCE O/Level examination will be held from March 1 to 11.  

After the examination, all schools including grade 1 will commence on March 15, adhering to health guidelines issued by the Health Ministry, the Minister said.  
However, the decision taken to re-open schools in the WP on February 15 was cancelled. 

• The GCE O/Level examination will be held from March 1 to 11