All schools belonging to the Western province will reopen on Monday (05), the Ministry of Education announced.

Meanwhile, all schools of Sabaragamuwa, with the exception of 15 selected schools which are being used as temporary camps for flood victims, will also reopen on Monday (05), the Ministry of Education confirmed.

With the exception of 39 schools, the remaining schools of the Southern province will reportedly recommence on Monday (05) too.

10 of the aforementioned 39 schools in the South are currently harbouring displaced flood victims, whereas the remaining 29 are to remain closed as a result of the damage sustained by them from floods and landslides.

The Ministry of Education stated that the power to decide the reopening of schools currently being used as temporary camps for flood victims lay upon the zonal directors of education.

The zonal directors of education also have the authority to transfer students of partially or totally damaged schools to the nearest functioning schools and ensure the due provision of education for all students under their reign.

The Minister of Education, Akila Viraj Kariyawasam stated this upon participating in a special discussion today (02).

The discussion was held to address the task of providing relief supplies to students and teachers who were affected by the adverse weather conditions.

The questions of renovating and restoring the damaged schools and resources, provision of school uniforms, text books, note books and other school supplies, and the implementation of a counselling programme on behalf of students traumatized by the disaster were also discussed.

All officials of the Ministry of Education convened for this special discussion.