Schools likely to re-open in stages, says Education Secretary

He said there would be no injustice caused to the students facing examinations adding the question papers will be prepared only after ascertaining if the entire syllabus was covered.

The Education Secretary said examinations would most likely be delayed, however, a definite decision was not reached as yet.

He said if the Ministry announces the examinations would be postponed, there is a high possibility of students losing interest in education.

The Central Province Governor Attorney-at-Law Lalith U. Gamage, however, said a decision on how schools in the province would be re-opened was finalized following talks with Minister Dullas Alahapperuma.

He said schools in the central province would re-open completely based on the guidelines provided by the Education Ministry and the necessary measures are in place to facilitate the process.

Joseph Stalin, General Secretary of the Ceylon Teachers' Union noted before schools are reopened, they need to be disinfected and then equipped with necessary facilities to prevent the spread of the disease.

Concerns have been raised with regard to funding of facilities as Principals questioned if money would be provided by the Central Government or the Development Fund of respective schools.