By: Isuru Parakrama
November 12, Colombo (LNW): In preparation for the parliamentary election on November 14, all schools will be handed over to respective Grama Niladhari officers today (12), once classes conclude, according to the Ministry of Education.
Schools across the country will be closed from tomorrow, 13 November, to facilitate election arrangements, with plans to reopen on Monday, 18 November.
The Ministry of Education made the announcement last Friday, emphasising that schools would serve as key venues for polling activities.
Education Ministry Secretary J.M. Thilaka Jayasundara has advised Zonal Education Directors and school principals to make desks, chairs, and assembly halls available to support election operations.
The Election Commission has also been notified, alongside Provincial Education Secretaries, Provincial and Zonal Education Directors, and other relevant bodies, to ensure coordinated efforts across districts.
Jayasundara highlighted that schools designated as vote-counting centres should stay closed only for the specific durations necessary to complete the counting process, in line with guidance from the Election Commission Chairman.
This arrangement reflects a collaborative effort between the Education Ministry and election authorities to manage polling logistics while minimising disruption to students.