The Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education has informed the Ministry of Transport, Highways and Urban Development about the necessary adjustments to student transportation in line with the upcoming extension of school hours until 2:00 p.m. as part of the planned education reforms.
Secretary to the Ministry of Education, Nalaka Kaluwewa, said a preliminary discussion has already been held with the relevant stakeholders, and further discussions are planned.
“We have already provided the necessary information in this regard. The Ministry of Transport, Highways and Urban Development is currently reviewing the situation. We have informed the requirements regarding transportation arrangements once the new school timetable is implemented. The Ministry of Transport, Highways and Urban Development is scheduled to hold discussions with the relevant parties and respond accordingly,” Kaluwewa said.
Under the proposed reforms, scheduled to be implemented in 2026, school hours for Grades 1 to 6 will be extended from 7:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., increasing the current closing time by 30 minutes.
The revised timetable aims to recover lost learning time caused by past disruptions, including the COVID-19 pandemic, and will introduce longer 50-minute periods to enhance instructional time.
