COLOMBO – The Ministry of Education has announced that 38 schools across four provinces will remain closed today (21) as the country continues to grapple with severe weather conditions and persistent heavy rainfall.
The decision was finalized late last night following consultations with regional educational authorities and the Department of Meteorology. The closures primarily affect schools located in areas identified as high-risk for flooding, landslides, and waterlogging, with officials prioritizing the safety of students and staff over academic continuity.
According to a ministry spokesperson, the affected provinces include the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, and Central provinces. While the specific list of schools varies by district, the closures are concentrated in zones where access roads have been rendered impassable or school premises have sustained minor structural damage due to the ongoing monsoon impact.
“The safety of our students is our absolute priority,” the Education Ministry stated in an official release. “We have instructed zonal education directors to assess the condition of school buildings and the surrounding environment before permitting the resumption of classes. Principals have been granted the discretionary power to decide on closures based on local conditions if they feel that the safety of students is compromised.”
The Department of Meteorology has issued a red alert for several districts, warning that heavy showers exceeding 100mm are likely to continue throughout the day. The adverse weather, which has been exacerbated by a low-level atmospheric disturbance in the vicinity of the island, has already led to the displacement of several families and widespread disruption to public transport services.
In addition to the school closures, the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) has issued warnings for residents living in landslide-prone areas, particularly in the hilly regions of the Central and Sabaragamuwa provinces. Emergency responders remain on high alert, with rescue teams positioned in vulnerable districts to provide rapid assistance.
Parents and guardians are urged to stay updated through official government channels and local media regarding the status of their respective schools. The ministry noted that a decision on whether these schools will remain closed beyond today will be made after a review of the weather situation later this evening.
For now, students are encouraged to utilize online learning resources where available and safe, though the ministry has emphasized that no student will be penalized for attendance issues caused by the severe weather. With the forecast predicting no immediate respite in rainfall, authorities are keeping a close watch on the situation, urging the public to remain vigilant and avoid unnecessary travel through flooded areas.
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