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HRC rules use of experts for GCE A/L question papers and intellectuals for answer scripts
View(s):Examinations Commissioner and Examination Dept officials should ensure they involve experts when setting GCE Exam question papers, and intellectuals with a thorough understanding of the subject to mark the answer scripts, the Human Rights Commission (HRC) has ruled.
Chairman, Justice Priyantha R.P. Perera has also ruled that if there are problems in the examination procedure, the Exams Dept must rectify them promptly.
The directives were made following a complaint lodged by the Ceylon Teachers Union (CTU) regarding errors in the 2014 GCE Advanced Level Exam Economics question paper, which left many students in a quandary, with Education Rights groups urging Education Dept heads to grant 15 marks at least as consolation.
The letter was signed by Prof Athula Ranasinghe- Colombo University, Prof Anoma Abhayaratne and Dr Prasanna Perera- Peradeniya University, Prof Ajith Tennakoon- Kelaniya University, Dr S.J.M.N.G. Samarakoon- Sabaragamuwa University and Prof P.M. Dayananda, Dr B.M. Sumanaratne, Mr Sarath Kutukurunda, Mr Chandika Gunasinghe and Mr. Nandasiri Keembiyahetti- Ruhuna University.
They said there were ‘several weak points’ in the Economics question paper which needs proper compensation. They also said the misleading concepts embodied in the question paper, if not rectified, will have “long lasting damage in the Economics subject, when past question papers are used as teaching-learning material in future”.
All allegations were later denied by then Education Minister Bandula Gunawardena who claimed that the complaints were a part of a conspiracy to sabotage the Education system. Nonetheless, the HRC was not discouraged to look into the matter and take action.
CTU General Secretary Joseph Stalin told Education Times that they were not happy about the decision taken.
He said that the CTU is not happy how the Exam Dept handled the situation. Mr Stalin said they were also opposed to the removal of Senior Economics Professor of Ruhuna University, Prof Danny Atapattu who was quite suited to the position, and was replaced by Prof Sampath Amaratunga of the Dept of Business Economics- Faculty of Management Studies & Commerce, University of Sri Jayawardenepura.
“The erroneous paper had a disorienting impact on the A/L candidates last year. Former Education Minister Bandula Gunawardena and Examination Commissioner W.M.N.J. Pushpakumara were responsible for the errors,” he said.
Mr. Stalin added that the Examinations Commissioner should resign after it was proven that he was found wanting.
“These examinations are very vital ones. Thousands of students are affected if an error is made in the question papers. There were many recommendations brought against the Commissioner. We want this one to be implemented properly, or else there is no use,” he said.
-Aaanya Wipulasena