Education Ministry releases 2027 school calendar

The Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education has officially released Circular No. 31/2026, detailing the complete school term calendar, key examination dates, and scheduled holidays for the 2027 academic year.

According to Secretary to the Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education Nalaka Kaluwewa, all government and government-approved private schools, alongside approved pirivenas, will operate for a total of 197 days during the year.

School Term Dates for 2027

Sinhala and Tamil Schools

First Term runs from Monday, 04 January 2027 to Friday, 09 April 2027, followed by school holidays from 10 April to 25 April.

Second Term begins on Monday, 26 April 2027 and ends on Friday, 30 July 2027, with holidays scheduled from 31 July to 29 August.

Third Term commences on Monday, 30 August 2027 and concludes on Friday, 03 December 2027.

Muslim Schools

First Term Phase 1 runs from Monday, 04 January 2027 to Friday, 05 February 2027, with vacation from 06 February to 14 March.

First Term Phase 2 resumes on Monday, 15 March 2027 and finishes on Friday, 09 April 2027, with vacation from 10 April to 14 April.

First Term Phase 3 starts on Thursday, 15 April 2027 and ends on Friday, 30 April 2027, followed by a short break from 01 May to 02 May.

Second Term Phase 1 operates from Monday, 03 May 2027 to Friday, 14 May 2027, with holidays from 15 May to 20 May.

Second Term Phase 2 runs from Friday, 21 May 2027 to Friday, 27 August 2027, with a break from 28 August to 29 August.

Third Term takes place from Monday, 30 August 2027 to Friday, 03 December 2027.

Academic Schedule for Advanced Level Students

Grade 13 students sitting for the 2027 G.C.E. Advanced Level examinations will complete their Third Term syllabus and term exams on Friday, 16 July 2027.

New Grade 12 classes for the 2029 G.C.E. Advanced Level batch are scheduled to commence on Tuesday, 15 June 2027, running their First Term through Friday, 03 December 2027.

Major National Examinations Scheduled