The Ministry of Education said that all schools across Sri Lanka will be closed today and tomorrow in observance of the 2024 General Election. This closure is in line with a request made by the National Election Commission. Schools are scheduled to reopen on Monday, November 18th.

All state universities will also be closed today and tomorrow. University Grants Commission Chairman, Professor Kapila Seneviratne, said that instructions regarding the closure have been communicated to the Vice Chancellors of all state universities.

The National Election Commission has also mandated that employees of both private and state banks, as well as financial institutions, be granted leave to cast their vote. The Commission noted that this leave should not affect regular leave entitlements or salaries.

However, the Commission noted receiving complaints about some banks and financial institutions failing to grant leave to their staff.