The Ceylon Teachers’ Union (CTU) has urged the Education Ministry to clarify why government schools are scheduled to operate for only three days from December 29.
CTU General Secretary Joseph Stalin told the media that, according to a circular from the Examinations Department, the second phase of the third school term will run from December 16 to 22, followed by a five-day school holiday until December 28. Schools will then reopen on December 29 and close on December 31.
“Questions have emerged across the school system about why schools are scheduled for just three days at the end of the term. It seems suspicious that this decision may be intended to artificially increase the number of school days,” Stalin said.
He described the move as unnecessary and a burden for both parents and students. “As a union, we see this as a useless decision. A clear directive should be issued by the Education Ministry regarding the three-day schedule,” he added.
The circular also notes that the first term of the next school year is scheduled to start on January 5, 2026.
