COLOMBO – The Ministry of Education has officially announced the operational framework for schools in 2026, confirming that the first school term for Government schools, Government-approved private schools, and Pirivenas will commence on January 5, 2026.
In a media release issued today (January 1), Ministry Secretary Nalaka Kaluwewa stated that the Ministry has decided not to extend school hours for the year 2026. This decision was taken after considering the current disaster situation in the country and the damages caused to school and transport networks in several provinces. The standard hours will remain in effect until the school and transport systems are fully restored.
Key Updates for the 2026 School Year:
- School Hours: For Grades 5 through 13, schools will operate from 7:30 AM to 1:30 PM, as per the usual schedule.
- Period Structure: Grades 6 through 13 will have 7 periods per day, with each period lasting 45 minutes.
- Education Reforms: The new education reform process will be implemented for Grade 1 and Grade 6 in 2026.
- Grade 6: Academic activities under the new reforms will formally commence on January 21, 2026.
- Grade 1: The process of identifying children will begin on January 5, with formal academic activities starting on January 29, 2026.
- Learning Materials: Arrangements have been made to provide Grade 1 activity books and Grade 6 learning modules to students before their respective academic sessions begin. Textbooks for all other grades have already been distributed.
- 2025 A/L Exams: The remaining components of the 2025 G.C.E. Advanced Level Examination are scheduled to be held from January 12 to January 20, 2026.
