• State stakeholder consultations underway
• Grade 1 to 6 will see an additional 30 minutes added

The Ministry of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education stated that it has informed the Ministry of Transport, Highways, and Urban Development regarding the necessary changes to student transportation as school hours are set to be extended until 2 p.m. under the upcoming education reforms.

Speaking to The Daily Morning, the Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education Ministry Secretary Nalaka Kaluwewa said that a preliminary discussion has already been held with the relevant parties concerning the transportation of schoolchildren, and another round of discussions would take place in the future.

“We have already provided the necessary information on this matter. The Transport, Highways, and Urban Development Ministry is now reviewing the situation. We have conveyed the requirements regarding transport arrangements once the new school schedule is implemented. The Transport, Highways, and Urban Development Ministry will hold discussions with the relevant parties and respond accordingly."

Under the proposed education reforms, which are expected to take effect in 2026, school hours for Grades 1 to 6 will be extended from 7.30 a.m. to 2 p.m., an increase of 30 minutes from the current closing time of 1:30 p.m. The revised schedule aims to enhance the learning environment by introducing longer 50-minute periods and compensating for lost academic time from previous disruptions such as the Covid-19 pandemic.