Psychologists point out that it is important to start schools to protect the well being of children and reduce the risk of mental disorders.

Dr. Miyuru Chandradasa, a specialist in child and adolescent psychiatry, said that despite the online classes due to prolonged closure of schools due to the covid pandemic, the loss of the social environment provided by the school has increased the mental problems among children by 20%.

He added that the number of children seeking treatment for problems such as depression, anxiety and electronic screen addiction has increased.

Loss of the psychosocial environment necessary for children's personality development can lead to long-term personality disorders as well as loss of self-esteem and loss of traits such as empathy and emotional awareness.

Meanwhile, the Ordinary Level and Advanced Level grades of all schools in the island will commence tomorrow (08).

The Ministry of Education stated that all arrangements have been made for classes to commence.

Ministry Secretary Prof. Kapila Perera told the Hiru news team that the Covid Eradication Committee has recommended to commence academic activities for grades 10, 11, 12 and 13.

Schools in the island had been closed from time to time for about two years due to the Corona epidemic.

Attention has already been paid to the commencement of academic activities from Grade 6 to Grade 9 as well as to cover missed syllabi and to conduct examinations.

Meanwhile, Ordinary Level and Advanced Level tuition classes are scheduled to commence from the 16th of next month with a maximum capacity of 50 percent in accordance with the new health guidelines.