Sri Lanka‘s Education Ministry has announced the closure of all schools on Friday, the day before the presidential election, following a request from the Election Commission. Schools are set to reopen on Monday, according to reports from Xinhua news agency. The ministry clarified that many schools will be repurposed as polling centers on Saturday, necessitating their handover to local government officials after school hours on Thursday.
In preparation for the election, all education directors and principals have been instructed to provide essential tables, chairs, and hall facilities for the activities of election officers. The 2024 presidential election will occur on Saturday, with over 17 million voters eligible to elect Sri Lanka’s next President. Following the Grade 5 scholarship exam, preparations for establishing counting centers will begin, with schools being set up on September 19 and 20.
The ministry also indicated that it will provide holidays for affected schools as needed, ensuring a smooth electoral process.