The Ministry of Education has issued a new circular regarding the reopening of Government and Government-Approved Private Schools and Pirivenas.
School Reopening and Timetable Revisions
The second phase of the Third School Term for 2025 for Government and Government-Approved Private Schools (excluding those mentioned in the annexure) and Pirivenas is scheduled to commence on Tuesday, 2025.12.16.
Revised 2025 Term Schedule for Sinhala and Tamil Schools:
| Term | Phase | Period of the Term |
| Third Term | Second Phase | From Tuesday, 2025.12.16 to Monday, 2025.12.22 |
| (A holiday will be granted from 2025.12.23 to 2025.12.28) | ||
| Third Phase | From 2025.12.29 to 2025.12.31 |
Revised 2025 Term Schedule for Muslim Schools:
| Term | Phase | Period of the Term |
| Third Term | Second Phase | From Tuesday, 2025.12.16 to Friday, 2026.01.02 (Including Saturday, 2025.12.27) |
Revised First School Term for the Year 2026
The Second and Third Terms for 2026 will be implemented as per Circular No. 30/2025 dated 2025.09.11 , while the First School Term for 2026 is revised as follows:
Sinhala and Tamil Schools:
| Term | Phase | Period of the Term |
| First Term | First Phase | From Monday, 2026.01.05 to Friday, 2026.01.09 |
| (A holiday will be granted from 2026.01.10 to 2026.01.20 to hold the remaining subjects of the 2025 G.C.E. (A/L) Examination) | ||
| Second Phase | From Wednesday, 2026.01.21 to Friday, 2026.02.13 | |
| (A holiday will be granted from 2026.02.14 to 2026.03.02 for the 2025 (2026) G.C.E. (O/L) Examination) | ||
| Third Phase | From Tuesday, 2026.03.03 to Friday, 2026.04.10 |
Muslim Schools:
| Term | Phase | Period of the Term |
| First Term | First Phase | From Monday, 2026.01.05 to Friday, 2026.01.09 |
| (A holiday will be granted from 2026.01.10 to 2026.01.20 to hold the remaining subjects of the 2025 G.C.E. (A/L) Examination) | ||
| Second Phase | From Wednesday, 2026.01.21 to Friday, 2026.02.13 | |
| (A holiday will be granted from 2026.02.14 to 2026.03.22 for the 2025 (2026) G.C.E. (O/L) Examination and the Ramadan Festival) | ||
| Third Phase | From Monday, 2026.03.23 to Friday, 2026.04.10 | |
| Fourth Phase | From Monday, 2026.04.20 to Thursday, 2026.04.30 |
Note: Grade 1 for the year 2026 must commence on Thursday, 2026.01.22.
Examinations and Grade Promotions
- No Term Examinations: Since the priority should be given to suitable activities for readapting children to the school environment and improving their mental health, students should be promoted to the next grade without conducting term examinations.
- Grade 11 Mock Exam: A mock examination is appropriate for Grade 11 students in January 2026 as a rehearsal for the G.C.E. (Ordinary Level) Examination.
- Grades 6-9 Assessment: The Third Term Examination for 2025 should not be held for students in Grades 6 to 9. Instead, classroom-level assessment programs can be implemented to evaluate their achievement level.
Special Measures Due to Disaster Situation
- Temporary Admission of Students: Students of schools affected by disaster and having transport difficulties should be given the opportunity to temporarily continue their studies at the nearest school to their residence. No fees should be charged from students temporarily admitted.
- School Uniform: During the initial period after the reopening of schools, the school uniform is not compulsory for students, based on the disaster situation and other reasonable grounds. Students and staff should be informed to attend school wearing attire suitable for the school.
- Mental Well-being: Necessary steps should be taken to strengthen the mental well-being of affected students. For G.C.E. (A/L) and (O/L) students, their needs should be identified, and necessary learning materials, including lesson notes, should be provided.
- School Nutrition Program: The School Nutrition Program should commence on 2025.12.16. In disaster-affected areas, the program must be conducted subject to the recommendations and instructions of the Medical Officer of Health.
- Transport Relief: Principals should notify the respective Zonal Directors of Education and take suitable relief measures regarding the attendance and departure times for students and staff facing transport difficulties due to the disaster situation.
It is further noted that the schools mentioned in the annexure that are not commencing on 2025.12.16 can be opened on a date decided by the respective Provincial Directors of Education
