Sri Lanka to Reopen Most Schools from December 16 After Flood Disruptions

Sri Lanka will reopen the vast majority of its schools for academic activities on Tuesday, December 16, following disruptions caused by recent floods and landslides, the Ministry of Education announced.

According to Education Secretary Nalaka Kaluwewe, 9,929 out of the country’s 10,076 schools across the Western, Southern, Northern, Sabaragamuwa, Eastern and North-Central provinces will resume classes on that date. However, 147 schools that suffered severe damage from landslides and flooding remain unfit to reopen at this stage.

Principals, teachers and non-academic staff at reopening schools are required to report for duty on December 15. In areas affected by the disaster, a flexible dress policy will be applied for both students and staff.

In response to the disruptions, the Ministry has decided to cancel third-term examinations for students in Grades 5 to 10 nationwide. A mock examination, however, will still be held for Grade 11 students.

The second phase of the third school term for 2025 will run from December 16 to 22, and then resume after the Christmas holidays from December 29 to January 3. Muslim schools will continue functioning until January 2, 2026.

Meanwhile, the subjects postponed under the General Certificate of Education Advanced Level (GCE A/L) examination due to Cyclone Ditwah will be held from January 12 to 20, 2026. Further details are expected to be announced soon by the Commissioner General of Examinations. The cyclone forced the temporary suspension of the A/L examination amid widespread flooding and landslides.

The Ministry also confirmed that the new school term for 2026 will begin on January 5, 2026, while the General Certificate of Education Ordinary Level (GCE O/L) examination will proceed as scheduled in February.