• Psychosocial wellbeing prioritised
• Local authorities to decide reopening

The Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education Dr. Harini Amarasuriya said that education should not be a burden to children during the recovery period after the natural disasters caused by Cyclone Ditwah, and added that priority must be given to their psychosocial well-being. 

She made these remarks during a discussion held with education authorities of the Nuwara-Eliya District on measures to restore educational activities and reopen schools for students following the recent disaster situation.

Although the Education Ministry has decided to reopen schools island-wide on 16 December, she noted the authority has been granted to the relevant provincial and district authorities to make decisions regarding the reopening of schools in the affected areas.

She further said that prior to reopening schools located in high-risk areas, recommendations from the National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) must be obtained, and special attention should be paid to access roads and infrastructure. 

The Premier also mentioned that teachers and students who have experienced hardships should be allowed flexibility in wearing comfortable attire.

The event was attended by Deputy Minister of Education and Higher Education Dr. Madhura Senevirathna, Chairman of the District Coordinating Committee and Member of Parliament Manjula Suraweera Arachchi, Members of Parliament Kalaichelvi and Anushka Thilakaratne, Nuwara Eliya District Secretary Thushari Tennakoon, and several other Government officials.