The Ministry of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education has issued a comprehensive set of recommendations to all Provincial Directors of Education regarding the management of school activities during the current period of extreme heat. The directive, dated March 12, 2026, aims to protect students and staff from heat-related illnesses.
Recognizing and Treating Heat-Related Conditions
The Ministry has identified three primary heat-related conditions and provided specific first-aid protocols for each:
- Heat Cramps: Characterized by muscle pain and cramping in the limbs and abdomen due to dehydration and salt loss from sweating.
- First Aid: Stop all activities, rest in a cool place, and drink half a glass of water every 15 minutes.
- Heat Exhaustion: Symptoms include excessive sweating, physical weakness, and fainting.
- First Aid: Move to a cool area, rest, drink water (half a glass every 15 minutes), and cool the body by bathing or using wet towels.
- Heat Stroke: A critical condition where the body’s temperature regulation fails. Symptoms include high body temperature, rapid pulse and breathing, headache, confusion, seizures, or loss of consciousness.
- First Aid: Move the person to a cool, shaded area, loosen or remove tight clothing, and sponge the body with cool water.
- Emergency Action: This is a high-risk situation requiring immediate medical attention. Contact the 1990 Suwa Seriya ambulance service or the nearest hospital immediately.
Adjustments to School Activities
To mitigate risks, schools are advised to implement the following changes:
- Outdoor Activities: Students must be prevented from engaging in activities on the playground or outdoors during high-temperature periods.
- Recess: Students should avoid the sun during break times.
- Breaks: It is recommended to provide two short breaks to allow students to rest and hydrate.
- Scheduling: Inter-house sports meets and training should be planned only after considering local weather conditions.
- Off-Campus Travel: Avoid taking students outdoors during peak heat hours for non-essential tasks.
Facility and Classroom Management
The Ministry emphasizes the need for proper infrastructure adjustments:
- Hydration: Schools must provide adequate clean drinking water. If facilities are lacking, school heads should seek assistance from District Secretariats via Disaster Management Coordinators.
- Ventilation: Doors and windows must remain open to ensure proper airflow, especially if electric fans are in use.
- Relocation: Classes held in high-temperature environments, such as top floors or buildings with metal (tin) roofing, should be moved to suitable temporary locations.
Personal Preparedness for Students
Students are encouraged to adopt the following personal habits:
- Dress Code: Ties should be loosened or removed when necessary, and the use of belts should be minimized.
- Clothing: Students should wear loose, light-colored cotton clothing for after-school activities.
- Sun Protection: Use hats or umbrellas when outdoors in the sun.
- Hydration Habits: Carry a bottle of boiled, cooled water at all times and drink frequently, even if not thirsty.
- Healthy Choices: Use natural substitutes like king coconut (thambili) instead of high-sugar soft drinks.
- Self-Reporting: Students feeling ill due to the heat must inform a teacher or adult immediately to seek medical advice.
Secretary Nalaka Kaluwewa has instructed all provincial authorities to ensure that heads of Pirivenas and Principals of all national, private, and government-approved schools are fully briefed on these urgent measures.
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