The Government says it cannot keep schools closed and hopes all students will gradually return and attended classes.

Education Minister Akila Viraj Kariyawasam told Parliament today that steps have been taken to strengthen security at all schools.

He said that while only a few students had attended classes when some sections of schools reopened yesterday (Monday) more are expected over the next few days.

Senior grades of Government schools began for the second term yesterday while lower grades will open on May 13.

There have been some requests to further postpone opening school for the second term over fears the country is still not safe.

Schools were scheduled to reopen for the second term on April 22 but following the Easter Sunday bombings it was postponed to April 29.

However, as the tense situation remained in the country it was later decided to postpone the opening to May 6 (yesterday).