The Ministry of Education has launched a special programme aimed at preventing disruptions to the school and university systems amid ongoing energy-related challenges.

Deputy Minister of Education Dr. Madhura Seneviratne outlined the proposed measures, noting that immediate steps were being taken to stabilise operations across the education sector.

As part of these efforts, a discussion with Vice Chancellors of all State universities is scheduled to be held next week via online platforms. The meeting is expected to focus on several key areas, including the recruitment of academic and non-academic staff, the current status of ongoing university projects, and the acute shortage of student hostel facilities.

To address accommodation issues, the Government has initiated plans to construct 55 new hostels across the country. In parallel, the Ministry has agreed to ensure the uninterrupted supply of gas required for student use, while also allocating fuel quotas for generators to maintain laboratory activities without interruption.

A decision on the mode of conducting academic activities—whether through in-person lectures or online platforms—is to be finalised in due course. The primary objective of this measure is to minimise unnecessary travel and conserve energy.

Meanwhile, similar restrictions have been introduced for schools as part of broader energy-saving efforts. Educational trips and large-scale events have been temporarily suspended, while school principals have been instructed to limit the use of school buses and other vehicles.