The Ministry of Education says that today and tomorrow will be a holiday for all schools across the island, as the 2024 General Election will be held tomorrow. 

The Ministry says that the holidays were granted as per a request made by the National Election Commission. 

Accordingly, schools will be reopened on Monday, the 18th of November. 

Meanwhile, all state universities will also be closed today and tomorrow. 

Chairman of the University Grants Commission Professor Kapila Seneviratne says that instructions in this regard have been provided to the Vice Chancellors of all state universities. 

Meanwhile, the National Election Commission has announced that all personnel working in private and state banks and financial institutions should be granted leave so that they can cast their vote during the election.

In a statement, the Commission emphasized that this leave should be granted without any reduction in regular leave, or salary cuts.

The National Election Commission also mentioned that complaints have been received regarding some banks and other financial institutions not granting leave for their employees to cast their votes.