Education Ministry announced that all government schools and pirivenas would remain closed during the upcoming week - July 13 and 17 - to ensure the safety of schoolchildren.

The Ministry also advised private schools, international schools and tuition classes to remain closed this week as well.

The Education Ministry previously had plans to open more classes in government schools this week and resume academic activities.

However, the sudden surge in COVID19 cases across the country has forced the ministry to revisit its decision.