Coronavirus: Schools to close until April 20

The Education Ministry has decided to close down all Government schools in the island from tomorrow (March 13) until April 20 as part of efforts to limit the spread of the Coronavirus. 

Education Minister Dullas Alahapperuma announced this at a media briefing a short while ago. He said the Government took the decision as a lot of fake news was being spread through social media after the first local COVID-19 patient was diagnosed. 

As a result of a barrage of fake news and misinformation, a crisis situation occured at several schools including Ananda College Colombo, Dickwella Baddegama Vidyalaya and at a school in Dambulla as panicked parents rushed to take their children home from school today, he pointed out.

The minister stated that authorities had decided that the first term school vacation would commence early from tomorrow. All end of term school exams have also been cancelled owing to the decision to start the school vacation early. 

He urged parents not to unnecessarily panic as yet only one Sri Lankan patient was found to be positive for the virus.

"We also request private schools and other private educational institutions to take heed of our decision to close Government schools," Mr Alahapperuma added. 

He also said it was up to the principals of respective schools to take a decision on whether the school big matches will go ahead as planned.