• Students of schools where buildings are considered dangerous to be directed to other schools and where schools are used as temp. shelters, such students will be relocated to nearby schools   

The Education Ministry stated that all possible actions are being taken to ensure that every schoolchild, including those affected by Cyclone Ditwah and studying at impacted schools, will have a place to continue their education when schools reopen on 5 January of next year (2026).

Speaking to The Daily Morning, the Ministry Secretary, Nalaka Kaluwewa said that school holidays had been extended to minimise the difficulties faced by students and families following the cyclone. "Once schools resume, students cannot be kept at home indefinitely until permanent solutions are found to related issues. If some children are allowed to attend school, others cannot be asked to stay at home."

He added that provincial and zonal education authorities have been instructed to make arrangements so that all students can attend school from 5 January. "During this period, the relevant authorities will take steps to ensure student safety, make alternative arrangements where necessary, and address immediate needs. Our aim is to make sure that no child is left at home when the new school term begins and that every student resumes schooling."

Speaking further, Kaluwewa said that students from schools identified as unsafe could not remain at home simply because their school buildings are considered dangerous. He said that they would be directed to other schools. "Plans are also in place to relocate students from schools currently being used as temporary shelters to nearby schools. There will be practical challenges during this process. But, we are trying our best to provide education to all children."

A number of schools in disaster-prone areas have been identified as risky due to structural damage or their vulnerability to future natural hazards. Several schools were also converted into temporary shelters to accommodate families displaced by the cyclone.