The Latest: Sri Lanka makes plans to reopen schools

Authorities in Sri Lanka say state-run schools will reopen this month after being closed for nearly three months due to a surge of COVID-19

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka — Authorities in Sri Lanka say state-run schools will reopen this month after being closed for nearly three months due to a surge of COVID-19. As a first step, arrangements are being made to reopen schools which have fewer than 100 students, the education ministry said Saturday. The ministry has identified nearly 3,000 such schools and they will reopen first, while other schools will follow in stages. While the schools were closed, online classes were conducted, but criticism is rising over the lack of internet and computer facilities for some children who live in remote parts of the Indian Ocean island.