13 schools in Nuwara Eliya and Hatton zones closed due to adverse weather

Due to prevailing adverse weather conditions marked by incessant rainfall, education authorities declared a temporary closure for 13 schools across the Nuwara Eliya and Hatton Education Zones on Monday. The closure affects both Sinhala and Tamil medium institutions located in high-risk hilly terrains.

The decision was implemented following warnings issued by disaster management officials regarding localized inundation, earth slips, and treacherous road conditions across the central highlands. Provincial education authorities had previously granted zonal directors and principals the discretion to suspend academic activities when weather poses direct dangers to student commutes.

Officials noted that school attendance and normal operations will be reviewed continually, with decisions on reopening contingent on weather assessments conducted in coordination with the Disaster Management Centre and local administrative divisions.

Parents and guardians in affected highland areas have been advised to keep children away from unstable slopes, swollen waterways, and areas prone to rockfalls as heavy monsoon showers persist.