Education Minister Dullas Alahapperuma said that it would take at least another month to start schools and that it would be done in four stages.
He said schools would be re-opened on the recommendation of the health sector.
He said at a meeting held in Matara District Secretariat that schools will be opened on the day that the safety of the children was ensured and that the date is expected to be announced next week.
After announcing that date, all schools in the island will be disinfected and kept closed for four days, he said.
Thereafter, classes for O/L and A/L students and then other classes would be gradually opened.
