Education Ministry Secretary Nalaka Kaluwewa announced that all schools in the Western, Southern, Northern, Sabaragamuwa, Eastern, and North-Central provinces will reopen for academic activities on Tuesday, 16 December.
Out of 10,076 schools nationwide, 9,929 will resume next week, including 147 schools affected by recent landslides and floods. Principals, teachers, and non-academic staff are required to report on 15 December, and a flexible dress code will be applied for students and staff in disaster-affected areas.
The Ministry has cancelled third-term examinations for Grades 5–10, while Grade 11 students will sit for a mock exam. The second phase of the third term will run from 16–22 December and resume after the Christmas holidays from 29 December to 3 January 2026. Muslim schools will continue academic activities until 2 January 2026.
The postponed G.C.E. Advanced Level exams will now take place from 12–20 January 2026, following their suspension due to landslides and floods from Cyclone Ditva. The G.C.E. Ordinary Level exams will proceed as scheduled in February 2026, and the new school term for 2026 begins on 5 January. Further updates on the Advanced Level exams will be issued by the Commissioner General of Examinations.
