Politics

Today, January 21, marks the start of the second phase of the first school term for the 2026 academic year in government and government-approved private schools in Sri Lanka. The first phase ran from January 5 to 9. Schools were then closed from January 10 to today to allow for the G.C.E. Advanced Level (A/L) exams, which were delayed due to damage from Cyclone Ditwah. According to the Ministry of Education, the second phase will continue until February 13, 2026. After that, schools will close again from February 14 to March 2 for the 2025 G.C.E. Ordinary Level (O/L) Examination. Additionally, Muslim schools will be closed longer from February 14 until March 22 because of the Ramadan festival, the Ministry of Education noted.