Ministry considers 4-day school week

A proposal to cut down on the number of school days to four a week as part of urgent measures to reduce fuel consumption is under consideration, Education Minister Susil Premajayantha said yesterday.

He said the proposal submitted to the cabinet would mean school hours on those four days would be extended by 90 minutes. Mr. Premajayantha said the proposal was not presented to the cabinet by his ministry, but The Sunday Times learns it was submitted by the Transport Ministry after the unprecedented increase in fuel prices.

“I have written to principals, teacher unions and regional education officials seeking their views. I will take a decision depending on the feedback and take it up at the next cabinet meeting,” the minister said.

Thousands of vans, buses and private vehicles are used to transport children to school and the extra holiday could save thousands of litres of fuel.