School canteens to re-open, free mid-day meal programme to re-commence
View(s):School canteens will be allowed to start operations from September 14 onwards, only if they can ensure that social distancing will be maintained between students and pre-orders of food can be organised, an Education Ministry official said.
As the school interval attracts large student numbers to canteens, school principals had been instructed to take steps to introduce the facilities of pre-ordering food and distributing food to classrooms.
“This decision has been taken as classes for students from Grade One to Grade 13 have begun again, and students cannot purchase food from outside. Principals are requested to assign teachers to supervise,” the official said.
Education Minister G.L. Peiris had also instructed the Education Ministry Secretary to inform all provincial and zonal education authorities to re-commence the free mid-day meal programmes in schools, under strict COVID-19 health guidelines.