COLOMBO: The Ministry of Education has issued a special announcement regarding the conduct of school academic activities for the year 2026. Education Secretary Nalaka Kaluwewa stated that, following the Cabinet decision on January 13, 2026, the new school term commencing on January 21 will adhere to revised guidelines.
The Secretary outlined several key decisions regarding the implementation of education reforms and daily school operations:
Grade 1 Reforms to Proceed
The proposed new education reforms for Grade 1 will proceed as planned. Academic activities under the new curriculum for Grade 1 will commence on January 29, 2026, in accordance with previously issued instructions.
Grade 6 Reforms Deferred
The implementation of the new syllabus intended for Grade 6 has been postponed to 2027. Consequently:
- The syllabus used in previous years will remain in effect for Grade 6 throughout 2026.
- Teachers and students are instructed to primarily use the textbooks from previous years.
- Principals will receive instructions to collect used textbooks from past students and redistribute them to the new Grade 6 intake.
- New textbooks will be printed and distributed only where strictly necessary to cover shortages.
- Soft copies of the relevant Grade 6 textbooks will be made available on the Ministry’s ‘e-thaksalawa’ website.
Revisions to School Timetables
For Grades 6 through 13, the daily schedule has been revised to consist of eight (08) periods, with each period lasting 40 minutes. Schools are instructed to prepare timetables following the format used in previous years.
Pilot Projects and Teacher Training
While the full rollout for Grade 6 is delayed, a pilot project for the new reform modules is proposed to be launched in selected provinces this year. Details regarding this will be announced later. The modules prepared for Grade 6 will be reviewed for use in the coming year.
The Secretary emphasized that teacher training related to the new educational reforms will continue uninterrupted throughout 2026. Furthermore, development initiatives concerning human resources, infrastructure, administrative reforms, assessment processes, and public awareness will continue as planned.
Public Consultation
To foster an open dialogue, the Ministry will release the concept papers, curriculum frameworks, and all modules related to the proposed reforms for public review.
A detailed circular containing these instructions is expected to be issued shortly. The Education Secretary also expressed appreciation for the dedication of provincial and zonal education authorities, principals, and teachers in organizing these activities under the Ministry’s guidance.
- Read in Sinhala Click Click
- Read in Tamil Click Here
