Education Ministry sets date for 2026 Grade One intake

The Ministry of Education has announced that Grade 1 classes for the 2026 academic year will officially commence on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, in all Sinhala, Tamil, and Muslim medium schools across Sri Lanka.

The directive applies to all government schools as well as private schools that are either state-assisted or non-assisted. 

According to the Education Ministry, schools have been instructed to complete the admission of students selected for Grade 1 before the official commencement date.

The ministry circular states that the official welcome ceremony for new Grade 1 students should include the following activities:

* A welcome by Grade 2 students.

* Participation of parents and invited guests.

* Hoisting of the national and school flags, followed by the singing of the national and school anthems.

* An orientation session for parents on the objectives of the Primary Education Reforms and the new Grade 1 curriculum.

* A simple and cheerful program organized by the primary section to welcome new students.

The Ministry has further directed that the event should highlight the importance of the new students while ensuring the program is conducted smoothly and without any inconvenience to children or parents. Schools have also been advised to secure the active participation of school development societies, alumni associations, and all relevant stakeholders to ensure the success of the event.

In addition, under the new Primary Education Reform Program, schools are required to conduct the Child Identification and School Readiness Program from January 2 to January 16, 2026 (excluding public holidays), based on the guidelines issued by the National Institute of Education (NIE).

Teachers of Grade 1 have been instructed to implement the activities outlined in the readiness program flexibly for any students admitted after the main period.

The circular containing these instructions has been sent to all Provincial Education Secretaries, Zonal and Divisional Directors of Education, and Principals of government and private schools with primary classes.