A departmental inquiry committee has been appointed to investigate the incident involving a misplaced stock of school textbooks, Deputy Minister of Education Madhura Senewiratne said. 

He added that police investigations are also underway in connection with the matter.

According to police findings, after the textbooks were handed over for transport, the first suspect sold the consignment to a location in Alawwa. 

The owner of that establishment then resold the stock to a center in Narammala, from where it was later moved to Wattala.

The Department of Educational Publications had originally handed over the textbooks on May 24 for distribution to schools in the Eastern Province. 

The consignment comprised Tamil language activity books and Grade One textbooks for the third term, valued at more than Rs. 800,000.

Police confirmed that five suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident and have been remanded until August 25 pending further investigations. (Newswire)

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A complaint has been lodged with the Thalangama Police alleging that a stock of textbooks and activity books valued at approximately Rs. 800,000 issued by the Educational Publications Department was not properly handed over to designated distribution centers.

The complaint was made by a senior female officer of the department, who reported that 19,892 Tamil Grade One textbooks and activity books meant for the third term had not been delivered as required.

According to the complaint, although permission was granted on May 4 to a contracted institution to transport the books, they were not distributed to the 12 centers in the Eastern Province as scheduled.

The incident has raised concerns over the handling of educational materials, with police confirming that further investigations are underway. (Newswire)

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The Ministry of Education has warned parents and students not to engage with unauthorized private agents claiming involvement in the newly introduced government scholarship programme for outstanding G.C.E. Advanced Level students.

Issuing a statement, the ministry announced that the programme will provide 200 high‑achieving students the opportunity to pursue Bachelor’s Degree programmes at internationally ranked universities abroad. 

The ministry further said that applications have been called for the second phase from students who obtained outstanding results at the GCE Advanced Level Examination -2025. 

The initiative is solely implemented and administered by the Ministry, with no partnerships or affiliations with private institutions or individuals.

Applications will be handled directly by the Ministry through a transparent, merit‑based process, and students are not required to use agents, the Education Ministry stressed.

The ministry further emphasized that it will accept no responsibility for dealings with unauthorized third parties, cautioning that any misrepresentation or fraudulent involvement will result in strict legal action under Sri Lankan law. (Newswire)

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The Ministry of Education has announced a set of special guidelines to ensure the smooth continuation of daily administration and teaching–learning activities in schools while managing energy consumption during the ongoing fuel supply issue.

According to the Education Ministry, all schools have been advised to act according to the following instructions.

• It has been decided that all schools will operate only four days a week, and until further notice, every Wednesday will be considered a school holiday. On each Wednesday, principals must suitably provide assignments/exercises/revisions so that students can engage in self‑learning activities at home.
• Since the time available to cover the school syllabus is limited, schools must not use school hours for programs or ceremonies organized either by the school itself or by external institutions.
• For school festivals or programs held monthly, principals must act to minimize fuel consumption as much as possible, and fuel‑intensive activities such as vehicle parades will be temporarily suspended.
• Organizing school educational tours or involving students in tours already planned for the upcoming days will be temporarily suspended until further notice.

The Ministry of Education stated that by adhering to these guidelines, schools are expected to continue the learning process without disruption during this period. 

It further noted that additional instructions will be issued once the prevailing situation improves. (Newswire)

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According to the ministry, for grades 06-13, the daily schedule must be revised to eight (08) periods, with each period lasting 40 minutes.

Timetables should be prepared accordingly, following the format used in previous years.

The Education Ministry further said that the syllabus implemented for Grade 06 in previous years will remain in effect for the year 2026.

Educational activities should primarily utilize the textbooks used by students in the preceding year.

Formal academic activities for the new education reform curriculum, proposed for implementation in Grdae 1 for the year 2026, will commence on 29 January 2026, as previously instructed. (Newswire)

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The Ministry of Education has proactively leveraged digital technology to provide continuous educational support, enhancing access to the national e-learning platform, E-thaksalawa, that will enable students to access subject content and past papers from any location, in the wake of the disaster situation in Sri Lanka due to Cyclone Ditwah. 

Recognizing the challenges faced by students during this unexpected emergency situation, the Education Ministry has taken measures to ensure that the students will receive uninterrupted preparation for the examination, irrespective of school closures and external crises.

This rapid digitalization of educational support was made possible through the dedicated efforts of a collaborative task force involving senior Education Ministry officials and the Prime Minister’s Task Force on Digital Transformation, whose swift coordination ensured that essential learning content was curated, uploaded, and made accessible to students.

In a prompt response to mitigate further uncertainty, the Ministry of Education has acted swiftly to ensure academic continuity after Cyclone Ditwah, announcing that the postponed GCE A/L examinations will now commence from 12th to 20th of January in 2026.

The Education Ministry further said that similar digital learning resources will be made available for GCE Ordinary Level (O/L) students from February 2026.

The ministry hopes these moves will mark a significant step towards a more resilient, digitally integrated education system in Sri Lanka capable of adapting to unforeseen challenges. (Newswire)

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The Ministry of Education has announced that the postponed 2025 GCE Advanced Level Examination will be held in January 2026.

According to the ministry, the remaining subjects of the examination, which were previously postponed due to adverse weather, will be held from 12-20 January next year.

The Education Ministry further said that the 2025 GCE Ordinary Level Examination will be held from 14 February to 02 March 2026.

Meanwhile, school term tests from Grade 05 -Grade 10 have been cancelled, and a decision has been made to promote students to the next grade.

The Education Ministry added that, however, exam rehearsals will be held for Grade 11 only. (Newswire)

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The Ministry of Education has clarified that the printing of textbooks for schools has not been halted, but changes have been made to certain grades under the government’s proposed education reforms. 

Education Ministry Secretary Nalaka Kaluwewa states that textbooks for grades 2–5 and 7–11 will be provided as they do not fall under the education reforms, which come into effect in January next year. 

He further said that, however, textbooks will not be provided for Grades 01 and 06 per the education reforms, and that instead, they will be provided with simplified module materials.

Nalaka Kaluwewa also clarified that the printing of teacher manuals has not been halted and will be printed per the requirements of the new education reforms.

The Education Ministry Secretary revealed that printing of textbooks for Grades 02-05, Grades 07- 11, and the module materials for Grades 01 and 06 have commenced, and are expected to be completed by November 15. 

He added that distribution to schools across the country is scheduled to be completed before December 31. (Newswire)

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The Education Ministry has updated the ‘Suraksha’ student insurance scheme, offering enhanced medical and life benefits for school students under a renewed agreement with the Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation General Ltd., signed on Thursday (09) under the patronage of Education Ministry Secretary Nalaka Kaluwewa.

Under the revised scheme, the inpatient benefit has been increased to Rs. 300,000 and outpatient treatment to Rs. 20,000, while coverage for critical illnesses now begins at Rs. 1.5 million. Accident coverage now includes Rs. 200,000 for permanent disability and up to Rs. 100,000 for temporary disability.

Life insurance benefits for students from families earning below Rs. 240,000 annually (up from Rs. 180,000) have also been expanded. Eligible families under the “Aswesuma” program will receive Rs. 75,000 per deceased parent or guardian, with a maximum of Rs. 225,000 per family.

Students suffering from long-term illnesses such as epilepsy, nephrotic syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, and rheumatic heart disease are now eligible for outpatient benefits. Additional coverage includes Rs. 75,000 for scoliosis braces and Rs. 75,000 for hearing aids recommended by ENT specialists.

According to the Education Ministry, the new benefits apply to incidents occurring from September 1, 2025, onwards. (Newswire)

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The Ministry of Education has announced that Grade 1 classes for the 2026 academic year will officially commence on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, in all Sinhala, Tamil, and Muslim medium schools across Sri Lanka.

The directive applies to all government schools as well as private schools that are either state-assisted or non-assisted. 

According to the Education Ministry, schools have been instructed to complete the admission of students selected for Grade 1 before the official commencement date.

The ministry circular states that the official welcome ceremony for new Grade 1 students should include the following activities:

* A welcome by Grade 2 students.

* Participation of parents and invited guests.

* Hoisting of the national and school flags, followed by the singing of the national and school anthems.

* An orientation session for parents on the objectives of the Primary Education Reforms and the new Grade 1 curriculum.

* A simple and cheerful program organized by the primary section to welcome new students.

The Ministry has further directed that the event should highlight the importance of the new students while ensuring the program is conducted smoothly and without any inconvenience to children or parents. Schools have also been advised to secure the active participation of school development societies, alumni associations, and all relevant stakeholders to ensure the success of the event.

In addition, under the new Primary Education Reform Program, schools are required to conduct the Child Identification and School Readiness Program from January 2 to January 16, 2026 (excluding public holidays), based on the guidelines issued by the National Institute of Education (NIE).

Teachers of Grade 1 have been instructed to implement the activities outlined in the readiness program flexibly for any students admitted after the main period.

The circular containing these instructions has been sent to all Provincial Education Secretaries, Zonal and Divisional Directors of Education, and Principals of government and private schools with primary classes. (Newswire)

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A group of teachers from national schools who arrived at the Ministry of Education this morning engaged in a silent protest inside the ministry premises.

The teachers visited the ministry due to unresolved issues regarding the admission of their children to the schools where they teach, following the completion of their three-year probationary service period.

It is reported that ten of the teachers engaged in the protest have been allowed to participate in a discussion with the relevant authorities. (Newswire)

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A tense situation has been reported at the Education Ministry in Battaramulla with a group of teachers protesting inside the premises over several demands.

The protesting teachers are reportedly seated on the floor of the ministry, calling on the authorities to address their grievances. 

Security personnel were seen blocking access to the main office, after which the teachers were seen peacefully seated on the floor continuing their protest. (Newswire)

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The Ministry of Higher Education says stringent action will be taken against those found to be involved in the sudden death of a Sabaragamuwa University student, if it is proven to be due to ragging.

Issuing a statement, the ministry said an investigation team has been appointed to inquire into the student’s death.

The ministry further said that after receiving the investigation report, necessary action will be taken together by the University Administration and the University Grants Commission (UGC).

The Ministry of Higher Education said it has focused attention on allegations of ragging being circulated in the media, and that if proven, stringent action will be taken against those responsible. 

The statement has been issued following the sudden death of a second-year student of the Faculty of Technical Engineering of the University of Sabaragamuwa. 

The student is reported to have died by suicide at his residence in Gampola on 29 April after having returned home from the university’s April New Year Festival celebrations. 

His relatives and friends have alleged that the unbearable humiliation he faced during the university’s New Year celebrations had led to his death. (Newswire)

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The Ministry of Education has announced the conclusion and commencement of the academic terms of government schools for the year 2025.

According to the Education Ministry, the second stage of the 1st School Term will conclude on Friday, 11 April 2025.

The Education Ministry further said that the third stage of the 1st School Term begins on 21 April and will end on 09 May 2025. (Newswire)

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The Ministry of Education has announced the acceptance of applications for Grade 06 of state schools for the year 2025.

Issuing a statement, the Education Ministry said that the applications based on the 2024 Grade 05 Scholarship Exam results will be accepted online.

The applications will be accepted from today (09 Apr) until 30 April, via http://g6application.moe.gov.lk.

The Education Ministry states applications will be considered for a maximum of three (03) schools. 

Guidelines concerning the applications can be obtained at the Education Ministry’s official website, www.moe.gov.lk. (Newswire)

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The Ministry of Education has extended the validity period of gift vouchers for providing school footwear for the year 2025.

According to a Ministry statement, the validity period of the said voucher was to conclude today (28 Feb).

However, the Education Ministry has decided to extend the validity period of the gift vouchers for providing school footwear until 20 March 2025. (Newswire)

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The Ministry of Education has warned the public of a fake ministry statement circulating on social media claiming that all schools and tuition classes have been cancelled today (Feb 14).

Issuing a notice, the Education Ministry said the fake statement bears the letterhead of the Education Ministry and a fake signature claiming to be that of the Education Ministry Secretary.

Stating that the news on the statement is false, the Education Ministry requested the public to refrain from sharing it with others. (Newswire)

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The academic terms of government and government-approved private schools will continue in phases for the year 2025 as well, according to a circular issued by the Ministry of Education. 

Accordingly, the academic terms will be conducted in phases for all Sinhala, Tamil, and Muslim government and government-approved private schools this year.

The Education Ministry has also decided to hold the 2024 GCE Ordinary Level Examination in March 2025.

The 2025 GCE Advanced Level Examination, however, has been scheduled for October/ November 2025. 

The school calendar for 2025 is as follows;

• For Sinhala and Tamil Schools;
• For Muslim Schools;

For more details visit : https://shorturl.at/TvGgh (Newswire)

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The Ministry of Education has announced the schedule for the second phase of the third school term for the 2024 academic year. 

According to the Ministry the second phase of the third term will begin on January 2, 2025, and conclude on January 24, 2025, for all government and government-approved private schools. (Newswire)

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A tense situation was reported this afternoon near the Ministry of Education in Isurupaya, Battaramulla, as Police attempted to disperse a protest staged by Development Officers.

Several Police officers were reportedly injured during the incident, and three protesters were taken into custody.

The protesters were demanding permanent positions in the teaching service.

Earlier, the protest obstructed the Kottawa-Borella Road (174 bus route) opposite of the Ministry, disrupting traffic. (Newswire)

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