The Ministry of Education has decided not to extend school hours in 2026, citing the prevailing disaster situation in the country and the damage caused to school and transport systems in several provinces.

In a statement issued on the night of 1 January, the Ministry said the proposed extension of school hours would not be implemented until the education and transport systems are fully restored to normal.

A detailed circular on the matter is scheduled to be issued on 2 January.

Accordingly, the Ministry announced the following decisions for the 2026 academic year:

• School hours for Grades 5 to 13 will remain unchanged, from 7.30 a.m. to 1.30 p.m. throughout 2026.
• The first term of the 2026 academic year for government schools, government-approved private schools and pirivenas will commence on 5 January.
• Students from Grades 6 to 13 will have seven periods per day.
• Each period will be 45 minutes in duration.
• Education reforms will be implemented for Grades 1 and 6 in 2026.
• Under the education reform process, formal academic activities for Grade 6 will begin on 21 January 2026.
• The student orientation process for Grade 1 will commence on 5 January 2026, while formal academic activities will begin on 29 January 2026.
• Activity books for Grade 1 and learning modules for Grade 6 will be distributed to students before the commencement of academic activities for those grades.
• Textbooks required for all other grades have already been distributed.
• The remaining sessions of the 2025 GCE Advanced Level examination will be held from 12 to 20 January 2026.