The Secretary to the Ministry of Education Prof. Kapila Perera has been quoted by the ‘Aruna’ newspaper as saying that the Ministry of Education has focused on starting schools by giving Kovid vaccine to around 700,000 students in grades 11, 12 and 13.
The Secretary said that all teachers as well as non-academic staff of the school will be vaccinated before the commencement of schools and that there are around 279,000 people on both sides.
The professor said he hoped schools would be able to start in July if the vaccine could be given as soon as possible, but said there was no definite timeline. He also said that if both doses cannot be given, the aim is to give one dose or start a school.
The Secretary said that no decision has been taken yet on postponing the Grade Five Scholarship, GCE Ordinary Level and Advanced Level examinations which are currently scheduled and that a decision in this regard will be taken based on the situation that may arise in the future.
The Teachers ‘and Principals’ Trade Unions Ministry had requested the Ministry to vaccinate all teachers and non-academic staff before the commencement of schools. It also contained a motion to do so.