The Minister of Education Akila Viraj kariyawasam announced today (29) that all state schools in the districts of Gampaha, Colombo, Kalutara, Hambanthota, Rathnapura, Galle, Matara and Kegalle to remain closed till Friday (02) owing to the prevailing severe weather, flooding and landslides in the country. The alternative mechanism to cover the time loss due to this decision will be announced later. He further requested the private schools to fall in line with this decision.
Further, the Minister had decided to provide all affected students with 03 sets of Uniforms, Pair of shoes, Text Books and Exercise books to resume schooling. A special program to evaluate damaged buildings and old school buildings unsuitable to occupy as class rooms is underway. The renovation or re construction of such buildings will be commenced once the cabinet approval is sought for the process.
The Minister had announced that the Ministry facility in Battramulla and all the National Schools around the country have commenced as collection centers for essential items for affected school children. He also requested the Donors to extend their helping hand on this regard.
Meals for those who are affected are been prepared at the Teacher training schools in Kaluthara and Rathnapura. Dry rations for preparation of food have already been sent to those respective institutions.
The application process for GCE O/L (New and Old Syllabus) has been extended till 15th June to enable students who were affected to send in their applications. For those who have lost their educational certificates due to floods will be given an opportunity to obtain their lost certificates free of charge.
Further the Minister had stated that he will furnish a detailed report on the loses due to flood in due course.
