Sri Lanka’s School Day Gets Longer—Here’s Why

COLOMBO (News 1st); Starting from the first school term of next year, Sri Lankan school hours will be extended by 30 minutes, with classes continuing until 2:00 PM, according to Education Ministry Secretary Nalaka Kaluwawa.

This change is part of a broader education reform initiative targeting Grade 1 and Grade 6, which will introduce a new curriculum structure focused on activity-based learning. 

The reform is designed to enhance classroom engagement and reduce the number of daily periods to allow for deeper learning experiences.

Secretary Kaluwawa clarified that the National Institute of Education had initially recommended a one-hour extension, but practical constraints led to a compromise of 50-minute periods and a 30-minute extension to the school day.

Regarding break times, the ministry had considered introducing two breaks, but feedback from teachers highlighted logistical challenges. 

As a result, schools will be given flexibility to manage break times, with a single break being the recommended default.