Grades 10 to 13 will begin today (08) in all schools islandwide.

Secretary to the Ministry of Education Prof. Kapila Perera stated to Hiru News team that all arrangements have been made for that.

He further stated that the schools will be reopened in accordance with the recommendations received from the Covid Suppression Committee to commence Grades 10, 11, 12, and 13 targeting GCE Ordinary Level and Advanced Level examinations.

Accordingly, it is mandatory to follow hygiene practices during school, such as wearing face masks, disinfecting hands, and maintaining distance between students.

Schools on the island had been closed from time to time for about two years due to the COVID pandemic.

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

Meanwhile, the National Institute of Education has submitted a proposal to the Ministry of Education to extend the current school term until 31 March 2022.

Dr. Sunil Jayantha Navaratne, Director General of the National Institute of Education stated that a proposal has been submitted to the Ministry of Education to cover the school curriculums missed due to the corona epidemic within 20 weeks.

Accordingly, the missed syllabuses related to two grades will be covered within 20 weeks and the students will be able to pass to upper grades and continue their studies.

Meanwhile, the Teachers 'Principals' Trade Union Alliance has decided to declare tomorrow (09) as a National Protest Day demanding solutions to the salary issue of teachers and principals in the country.

The General Secretary of the Ceylon Teachers Union Joseph Stalin stated that the protest will be held in front of every Education Zonal Office.