Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Education on Monday announced a revised school calendar covering the period from December to March, outlining reopening dates, examination-related closures and special measures introduced following recent natural disasters.

Schools in the Western, Southern, Northern, Sabaragamuwa, Eastern and North Central provinces will reopen on Tuesday, Dec. 16, the ministry said. However, 640 schools in the Uva, North Western and Central provinces will remain closed due to prevailing difficulties.

Of the schools remaining closed, 524 are in Uva province, where transportation disruptions have prevented students and teachers from traveling safely. Education officials said schools in Uva will reopen as soon as transport conditions improve.

An additional five schools in the North Western province and 111 schools in the Central province will also remain closed, the ministry said.

Under the revised calendar, schools that reopen will close again from Dec. 22 to Dec. 28 for Christmas holidays and resume classes on Dec. 29.

Secretary to the Ministry of Education Nalaka Kaluwawa said schools will close from Jan. 12 to Jan. 20 at the request of the Commissioner of Examinations to facilitate the completion of pending General Certificate of Education Advanced Level examination papers.

“This decision was taken to ensure that the remaining A-level papers can be conducted without disruption,” Kaluwawa said.

Schools will close once more from Feb. 14 to March 2 to facilitate the General Certificate of Education Ordinary Level examinations, the ministry said.

The ministry also announced that third-term school tests for 2025 have been canceled nationwide. Officials said the decision was taken to ease pressure on students and teachers affected by recent natural disasters.

As part of relief measures in affected areas, schools will not strictly enforce dress code requirements. Students will not be required to wear school uniforms, and teachers will not be required to wear formal attire during this period.

Students affected by school closures will also be allowed to attend the nearest school to their residence, regardless of their usual school, until normal operations resume, officials said.

Education authorities said the measures are aimed at minimizing disruption to learning while ensuring student safety and accommodating examination schedules.

Key school calendar dates:

Dec. 16: Schools reopen in six provinces, except 640 schools in the Uva, North Western and Central provinces

Dec. 22–28: Christmas holidays

Dec. 29: Schools reopen after Christmas break

Jan. 12–20: School closure for completion of A-level examinations

Feb. 14–March 2: School closure for O-level examinations

The ministry said further updates will be issued if conditions require additional adjustments to the academic schedule.