All schools in the country except in the Western Province and other isolated areas opened for grades 2-13 from Monday, the Ministry of Education announced.

The Minister of Education Prof. GL Peiris stated at a media briefing that the decision to start schools was taken with all possible measures to ensure the health of the children in view of the prevailing situation in the country.

“This is not a random decision. It is implemented according to a very carefully prepared plan. Not just a complete plan. We have developed a program to monitor the implementation of that plan and ensure that it is implemented step by step in every school. Each school has a school committee headed by the principal and consisting of Public Health Inspector, the Grama Niladhari, the Inspector of Police, a representative of the Past Pupils' Association and a representative of the School Development Committee. We have clearly handed over the responsibilities to them and steps have been taken to look at how those responsibilities are being fulfilled. All Zonal Directors, Provincial Directors and all are involved in this program,” the Minister said.

http://www.colombopage.com/archive_21A/Jan11_1610307792CH.php