The Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education has officially released Circular No. 31/2026, outlining the full 2027 school term calendar for all government and government-approved private schools in Sri Lanka.
According to the official schedule, schools will operate for a total of 197 academic days in 2027. The academic year officially begins on January 4, 2027.
If you are a student, teacher, or parent planning the upcoming academic year, here is the complete breakdown of school term dates, vacation periods, and national examination schedules.
Sinhala and Tamil Medium Schools Calendar 2027
For Sinhala and Tamil medium government and government-approved private schools, the 2027 academic year is divided into three primary terms:
- 1st Term:January 4, 2027 – April 9, 2027
- 1st Term Vacation: April 10, 2027 – April 25, 2027
- 2nd Term:April 26, 2027 – July 30, 2027
- 2nd Term Vacation: July 31, 2027 – August 29, 2027
- 3rd Term:August 30, 2027 – December 3, 2027
- 3rd Term Vacation: Begins December 4, 2027
| Term | School Opening Date | School Closing Date | Vacation Dates |
| 1st Term | January 4, 2027 | April 9, 2027 | April 10 – April 25, 2027 |
| 2nd Term | April 26, 2027 | July 30, 2027 | July 31 – August 29, 2027 |
| 3rd Term | August 30, 2027 | December 3, 2027 | Begins December 4, 2027 |
Muslim Schools Calendar 2027
In accordance with special calendar provisions, Muslim government schools follow a multi-phase schedule for the first and second terms to accommodate religious observances.
- 1st & 2nd Terms:Conducted across specified phases aligned with Islamic holidays.
- 3rd Term:Aligns with the national academic term ending in December 2027.
Major National Exam Dates for 2027
The Department of Examinations has scheduled the key national school examinations as follows:
- G.C.E. Advanced Level (A/L) Examination 2027:Scheduled for August 2027.
- G.C.E. Ordinary Level (O/L) Examination 2027:Scheduled for December 2027.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When does the 1st term start for Sri Lankan schools in 2027?
The first term for Sinhala and Tamil medium schools officially starts on Monday, January 4, 2027.
How many school days are there in the 2027 Sri Lankan academic year?
Schools in Sri Lanka will operate for 197 total days during 2027, taking public holidays and exam dates into account.
When is the 2027 GCE A/L exam held?
The 2027 G.C.E. Advanced Level exam is scheduled to take place during August 2027.
When is the 2027 GCE O/L exam held?
The 2027 G.C.E. Ordinary Level exam is scheduled to be held in December 2027.
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