Schools to remain shut for entire Ramadan

After weeks of confusion and legal twists, the government has decided to keep all government and private primary and secondary schools closed for the entire month of Ramadan.

The Ministries of Education and Primary and Mass Education announced the decision on Wednesday evening, confirming that holidays will begin from Thursday, February 19, the first day of Ramadan.

Under the previous academic calendar, Ramadan and Eid holidays were scheduled to start from March 8. However, the Secondary and Higher Education Division has now revised the annual holiday list.

According to the updated schedule, schools will remain closed from February 19 to March 26.

Legal battle before final decision

The issue had drawn attention after a writ petition was filed with the High Court seeking an order to keep schools closed throughout Ramadan.

On February 15, the High Court directed that all government and private lower secondary and secondary institutions remain closed for the entire month, starting February 18.

However, the decision was later stayed by the Appellate Division Chamber Court. On Monday, a chamber judge of the Appellate Division, led by Justice Farah Mahbu,b suspended the High Court’s order after hearing a petition challenging it.

Despite the stay order, the government moved ahead with its own administrative decision to close schools for the month, formally revising the holiday calendar.

The announcement brings an end to days of uncertainty for students, parents and teachers, who had been awaiting a final decision on whether classes would continue during Ramadan.