The Sri Lankan government’s proposal to extend school hours has ignited a heated debate across the education sector, with teachers’ unions threatening strike action and parents expressing concerns about the practical implications of keeping children in school longer.
What’s Being Proposed?
The government has announced plans to extend the school day for primary students, with changes set to take effect in 2026. Under the new timetable, students in Grades 1-6 will attend school from 7:30 am to 2:00 pm, replacing the current schedule of 7:30 am to 1:30 pm.
Prime Minister’s initial proposal suggested extending school hours even further, to 4:00 pm or 4:30 pm. However, after considering logistical challenges including transportation issues, the government scaled back the plan to a more modest 30-minute extension.
Teachers’ Unions Sound Alarm
Teachers’ unions have issued strong warnings against the proposal, threatening a one-day strike at the beginning of the December school term if the government fails to revise its decision by November 7, 2025.
The unions have raised several key concerns:
- Lack of consultation: The decision was made without proper consultation with teachers, students, or parents
- Insufficient research: No comprehensive study was conducted on the impact of extended hours
- Widespread opposition: The proposal has drawn criticism from multiple stakeholders in the education community
- Implementation concerns: Questions remain about additional resources, teacher workload, and student welfare
Transportation and Logistics: A Major Hurdle
One of the primary concerns surrounding the extended school hours is transportation. Many students, particularly in rural areas, rely on public transport or school buses that operate on fixed schedules. Parents worry about:
- Increased travel costs
- Safety concerns with children traveling home later
- Disruption to existing transport arrangements
- Impact on after-school activities and tuition classes
These logistical challenges were reportedly a key factor in the government’s decision to limit the extension to just 30 minutes rather than the originally proposed longer hours.
Educational Rationale Behind the Change
While the government has faced criticism, proponents of extended school hours argue that the change is part of broader education reforms aimed at:
- Providing more instructional time for core subjects
- Reducing reliance on private tuition
- Aligning with international education standards
- Improving student outcomes through structured learning time
However, critics question whether simply adding more hours will translate to better educational outcomes without corresponding improvements in teaching quality, resources, and curriculum development.
Parent Concerns Mount
Parents across the country have expressed mixed reactions to the proposal. While some see potential benefits in longer school days, many have voiced concerns about:
- Impact on younger children who may struggle with longer days
- Disruption to family routines and meal times
- Additional costs for extended care and transportation
- Reduction in family time and children’s rest periods
- Effect on children attending after-school tuition classes
What Happens Next?
The November 7 deadline set by teachers’ unions represents a critical juncture for this policy. The government faces a choice between:
- Proceeding with the planned extension and risking strike action
- Reconsidering the policy and engaging in broader consultation
- Finding a compromise that addresses stakeholder concerns
Education observers note that similar proposals in other countries have succeeded only when implemented with adequate preparation, resources, and stakeholder buy-in.
Regional Context
Sri Lanka isn’t alone in grappling with questions about optimal school hours. Countries across South Asia and beyond have experimented with different school schedules, with varying results. Success has typically depended on:
- Adequate infrastructure and resources
- Teacher training and support
- Parent and community engagement
- Phased implementation with pilot programs
- Continuous monitoring and evaluation
The Road Ahead
As the December school term approaches, all eyes are on the government’s next move. The controversy highlights the broader challenges facing Sri Lanka’s education system and the need for comprehensive, consultative approaches to education reform.
Whether the 30-minute extension represents a meaningful step forward or an inadequately planned disruption will likely depend on how the government addresses the concerns raised by teachers, parents, and students in the coming weeks.
For now, the education community waits to see if dialogue can replace confrontation, and whether this policy can be refined to serve the best interests of Sri Lankan students.
Ceylon Public Affairs will continue to monitor this developing story and provide updates as the situation unfolds.
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