Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya has said that as Sri Lanka emerges from recent disasters, education must not become an added burden on children, emphasising that students’ mental and emotional well-being should take precedence in rebuilding a safe and supportive learning environment.

She made these observations at a meeting with education officials in the Nuwara Eliya District, where discussions focused on restoring school activities and ensuring the safe reopening of schools affected by the disasters.

While the Ministry of Education has announced that schools nationwide are scheduled to reopen on December 16, the Prime Minister noted that district and local authorities are empowered to decide on reopening in areas that remain affected, taking into account ground realities.

She said schools located in high-risk zones should resume activities only after receiving clearance from the National Building Research Organisation, adding that special attention must be paid to the condition of roads and other essential infrastructure. The Prime Minister also said flexibility should be shown towards teachers and students facing hardships, including allowing the use of comfortable attire during this period.

Officials at the meeting reported that, despite numerous challenges, education reforms are continuing, with 51 per cent of teacher training in the Nuwara Eliya District already completed. The Prime Minister stressed that collective effort and coordination are vital to overcoming current difficulties and rebuilding the education system more resiliently.

The discussion was attended by Deputy Minister of Education and Higher Education Madhura Seneviratne; District Coordinating Committee Chairman and MP Manjula Suraweera Arachchi; MPs Kalai Chelvi and Anushka Tilakaratne; Nuwara Eliya District Secretary Thushari Tennakoon; and other government officials.