Wimal arrives at Tangalle police station
The Ministry of Education has announced that Grade 1 classes for the 2026 academic year will officially commence on Jan. 20, 2026, in all Sinhala, Tamil, and Muslim medium schools across Sri Lanka.
The directive applies to all government schools as well as state-assisted / non-assisted private schools.
According to the media release by the Education Ministry, schools have been instructed to complete the admission of students selected for Grade 01 before this date.
Accordingly, the official welcoming activities for new Grade 01 students should include the following :
- A welcome by Grade 02 students.
- Participation of parents and invited guests.
- Hoisting of the national and school flags, singing of the national and school anthems.
- An orientation session for parents on the objectives of the Primary Education Reforms and the new Grade 1 curriculum.
- A program containing performances of the primary section to welcome new students.
The Ministry has further directed that the event should highlight the importance of the new students while ensuring the program is conducted smoothly and without any inconvenience to children or parents. Schools have also been advised to secure the active participation of school development societies, alumni associations, and all relevant stakeholders to ensure the success of the event.
In addition, under the new Primary Education Reform Program, schools are required to conduct the Child Identification and School Readiness Program from Jan. 02 – 16, 2026 (excluding public holidays), following guidelines issued by the National Institute of Education (NIE).
With regard to students admitted after the main period, Grade 01 teachers have been instructed to implement activities outlined in the readiness program in a flexible manner.
The circular containing these instructions has been sent to all Provincial Education Secretaries, Zonal and Divisional Directors of Education, and Principals of government and private schools with primary classes.
