Sri Lanka School Calendar 2026 – Complete Guide | TeachMore.lk
Sri Lanka School Calendar 2026:
Complete Term Dates & Holiday Guide
Everything parents, teachers, and students need to plan the academic year — Sinhala, Tamil & Muslim school schedules in one place.
The Sri Lanka Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education has officially released Circular No. 30/2025, setting out the complete School Calendar for the year 2026. Signed by Secretary Nalaka Kaluwewe, the circular applies to all government and government-approved private schools, as well as Pirivenas across the island.
Whether you are a parent scheduling tuition, a teacher planning lessons, or a student managing your study goals, understanding the term structure is the first step to a productive academic year. Below, we break down every term, vacation window, and key policy note — so you don't have to decipher the official document yourself.
I. Sinhala & Tamil Schools
The school year for Sinhala and Tamil medium schools follows a three-term structure, with the First Term divided into two phases to accommodate mid-term examinations and preparation periods.
First Term — Phase Structure
| Phase | Dates |
|---|---|
| Phase 1 | Thursday 01 January 2026 — Friday 13 February 2026 (both days inclusive) 🏖 Vacation: 14.02.2026 to 02.03.2026 |
| Phase 2 | Tuesday 03 March 2026 — Friday 10 April 2026 (both days inclusive) 🏖 Vacation: 11.04.2026 to 19.04.2026 |
Second Term
| Term | Dates |
|---|---|
| Second Term | Monday 20 April 2026 — Friday 24 July 2026 (both days inclusive) |
Third Term — Phase Structure
| Phase | Dates |
|---|---|
| Phase 1 | Monday 27 July 2026 — Friday 07 August 2026 (both days inclusive) 🏖 Vacation: 08.08.2026 to 06.09.2026 |
| Phase 2 | Monday 07 September 2026 — Friday 04 December 2026 (both days inclusive) |
II. Muslim Schools
Muslim schools follow a slightly different calendar to accommodate religious observances. The schedule features three phases in the First Term and two phases each in the Second and Third Terms.
First Term — Three Phases
| Phase | Dates |
|---|---|
| Phase 1 | Thursday 01 January 2026 — Friday 13 February 2026 🏖 Vacation: 14.02.2026 to 22.03.2026 |
| Phase 2 | Monday 23 March 2026 — Friday 10 April 2026 🏖 Vacation: 11.04.2026 to 19.04.2026 |
| Phase 3 | Monday 20 April 2026 — Thursday 30 April 2026 🏖 Vacation: 01.05.2026 to 03.05.2026 |
Second Term
| Phase | Dates |
|---|---|
| Phase 1 | Monday 04 May 2026 — Tuesday 26 May 2026 🏖 Vacation: 27.05.2026 to 31.05.2026 |
| Phase 2 | Monday 01 June 2026 — Friday 31 July 2026 |
Third Term
| Phase | Dates |
|---|---|
| Phase 1 | Monday 03 August 2026 — Wednesday 02 September 2026 🏖 Vacation: 03.09.2026 to 06.09.2026 |
| Phase 2 | Monday 07 September 2026 — Friday 04 December 2026 |
III. Key Policy Points
School Days in 2026: 197 Days
The Ministry notes that while the standard requirement under Circular No. 97/15 (dated 08 August 1997) is 210 school days per year, the distribution of public holidays in 2026 makes this target unachievable. As a result, all government and government-approved private schools and approved Pirivenas are required to operate for 197 days in 2026.
Provincial Flexibility
Provincial Ministries of Education may amend the calendar to address local circumstances, provided any changes comply with the conditions outlined in Circular No. 97/15. This means your child's school might have slightly adjusted dates — always confirm with the school directly.
"All schools will be closed during public holidays declared by the Government, Sundays, and school holidays."
— Ministry of Education Circular No. 30/2025
Make-Up Sessions
If a school must close on an instructional day due to a special reason, the missed sessions must be compensated with make-up sessions at a later date. This ensures the total instructional time remains as close to the 197-day target as possible.
IV. Major Examinations in 2026
The circular highlights three national examinations whose scheduling directly influenced the vacation periods:
- G.C.E. (O/L) Examination – 2025 (2026 sitting): Scheduled in February 2026. The First Term Phase 1 vacation accommodates final preparation.
- G.C.E. (A/L) Examination – 2026: Scheduled in August 2026. The extended Third Term Phase 1 vacation (over a month) is designed around this exam.
- G.C.E. (O/L) Examination – 2026: Scheduled in December 2026, aligning with the end of Third Term Phase 2.
Students sitting these examinations should treat each vacation window as a structured revision period rather than a full break. TeachMore.lk lists qualified tutors for O/L and A/L subjects — browse by subject, area, or online availability.
V. Frequently Asked Questions
VI. Plan Smarter with TeachMore.lk
Now that you have the full picture of the 2026 school calendar, the next step is making every day count. TeachMore.lk is Sri Lanka's dedicated platform connecting students and parents with qualified tutors, online classes, and educational resources — mapped to the national school curriculum.
Here's how we can help across every term:
- Term-time support: Find subject-specific tutors for O/L and A/L classes, available in-person or online.
- Vacation programmes: Use the August break and inter-term holidays to close learning gaps with intensive revision courses.
- Exam preparation: Past papers, model papers, and expert-led study sessions for G.C.E. O/L & A/L students.
- Early enrolment: Secure your preferred tutor before term starts — popular slots fill fast.
Find Your Perfect Tutor for 2026
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