Sri Lanka to close all schools in preparation for upcoming presidential election

COLOMBO, Sept. 19 (Xinhua) — Sri Lanka’s Education Ministry on Thursday announced the closure of all schools on Friday, the day before the presidential election, following a request by the Election Commission.
The schools will reopen on Monday, the ministry said.
The ministry added that many schools will be used as polling centers on Saturday, and these schools must be handed over to local government officials after school hours on Thursday.
All education directors and principals have been instructed to provide necessary tables, chairs and hall facilities for election officers’ activities, the ministry said.
The 2024 presidential election will take place on Saturday with over 17 million voters across the country to elect Sri Lanka’s next president. ■