🗓️ Your Essential Guide: Sri Lanka’s 2026 School Term Calendar and Public Holidays

Planning ahead is essential for students, parents, and teachers to make the most of the academic year. With the academic calendar in Sri Lanka normalizing from 2026, the Ministry of Education has released a detailed breakdown of the school terms and holidays. This guide is your complete resource to stay organized and prepared for the year ahead.

🏫 The Official 2026 School Term Schedule

The year 2026 marks the return to a regular academic cycle in Sri Lanka, structured into three distinct terms. The Ministry of Education’s circular (No. 30/2025) outlines a carefully phased schedule, ensuring sufficient instructional days are met.

📅 Key Dates in Focus: March 2026

The transition from the short mid-term break into the second phase of Term 1 is a critical time for students.

• March 2, 2026: Schools are closed for Medin Full Moon Poya Day.
• March 3, 2026: Start of First Term – Phase 2. This phase is vital for covering essential syllabus material before the major April holidays.
• March 21, 2026 (Provisional): Id-Ul-Fitr (Ramazan Festival Day) may be observed on this day, providing another opportunity for cultural observance.

💡 How to Use the 2026 Calendar for Maximum Success

The published calendar is more than just a list of dates—it’s a tool for effective planning.

1. Academic Planning for Students and Teachers

• Syllabus Pacing: Teachers should note the two-phase structure of Term 1 and Term 3 to ensure syllabus coverage is scheduled around the significant breaks.
• Exam Prep: Students should mark all provisional term test dates early. The period between March 3 and April 10, for example, is a focused instructional window ideal for deep revision.
• Utilize Breaks: The long mid-year break is an excellent opportunity for students to review difficult subjects or get a head start on next term’s material.

2. Family and Holiday Planning

• Avoid School Time: Schedule major family vacations or long-distance travel during the officially designated breaks (e.g., February 14 – March 2, April 11 – April 19, or the long mid-year break).
• Cultural Observance: Mark the Poya days and religious festivals like Id-Ul-Fitr and Deepavali to plan visits to temples or participation in community events.

Ministry of Education Link: For official circulars and updates, always refer to the Ministry of Education website. The official circular for the 2026 term schedule is generally referenced as Circular No. 30/2025.

Downloads Teachers Term Notes

Ministry of Education Link Calendar 2026

✅ Conclusion

The 2026 School Term Chart and Public Holidays Calendar provide the clear structure needed for a predictable and productive academic year. By utilizing these dates for academic pacing and holiday planning, students, parents, and teachers can ensure a balanced and successful year ahead, steering the academic system back to its regular rhythm.

FAQs

Q1. When does the 2026 school year officially begin? A1. The 2026 school year begins on January 1, 2026.

Q2. When are the main school vacation periods in the first half of 2026? A2. The main breaks are:

• February 14 to March 2 (between Term 1, Phase 1 & 2).
• April 11 to April 19 (Sinhala and Tamil New Year break).

Q3. What is the school status on March 2, 2026? A3. Schools will be closed on Monday, March 2, 2026, for Medin Full Moon Poya Day. The second phase of the First Term begins the following day.

Q4. Where can I find the official circular for this schedule? A4. The official circular (No. 30/2025) is available on the official Ministry of Education website (moe.gov.lk) under the ‘Circulars’ or ‘School Calendar’ sections.