Cyclone Arnab effect: schools shut across Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka's government has closed all schools nationwide after heavy rain caused by the indirect effects of Cyclone Arnab, active in the Bay of Bengal.

According to Chinese news agency Xinhua, Sri Lanka's education ministry announced the decision on Tuesday. The ministry said schools were closed to ensure the safety of students and school staff given the current weather conditions.

While classes nationwide have been suspended, one part of the national examinations will proceed as scheduled. The ministry clarified that the practical exam in the aesthetic subjects category under the General Certificate of Education Ordinary Level exam will go ahead as previously planned.

Heavy rain has been falling in various parts of Sri Lanka for the past several days due to the cyclone's indirect effects. The continuous rain has raised the risk of floods and landslides, prompting authorities to issue warnings urging residents in many parts of the country to remain alert.