Provincial heads empowered to decide on school closures

Daily Mirror, Newsfirst, Sri Lanka Mirror and Newswire report that all schools in Sri Lanka are to close on October 27, 2026, amid adverse weather. WhatNews (සිංහල) and Ada Derana also report that schools nationwide will be shut that day.

Newsfirst reports that Deputy Minister of Education Dr. Madhura Seneviratne linked the decision to heavy rain and said the Department of Meteorology was consulted. Sri Lanka Mirror reports that the Ministry of Education gave the safety of students and school staff as a reason for closing schools.

Newswire and Ada Derana report a nationwide closure of preschools on October 27. Newswire says the National Secretariat for Early Childhood Development announced the measure and that early childhood development centres are included. Newswire also reports continuing heavy rain and strong winds in some areas, while the Department of Meteorology forecasts showers or thunderstorms in several provinces, more than 75 mm of rain in some locations, and winds of 40–50 km/h in parts of the country.

WhatNews (සිංහල) reports that the ministry’s notice also addressed practical examinations in aesthetic subjects for the G.C.E. Ordinary Level examination that had already been scheduled, but the supplied report ends before explaining the arrangements. Hiru News (සිංහල) reports that provincial education authorities were given a role in deciding whether schools would close.