News
Repeatedly postponed mandatory exams slated for next week
Unions have pointed out that the severe shortage of fuel in the country is impeding school transport, especially in the rural areas. Pic by Hiran Priyankara Jayasinghe
School examinations authorities said they are ready to hold the 2021 Ordinary Levels next week and called for the support of trade unions.
These exams, generally held in December, were to have been held in January and then put off to late February and early March.
Examinations Commissioner L.M.D. Dharmasena said that he has sought the cooperation of all school authorities including principals and teachers.
Further postponement would be detrimental, he said.
“They are all getting older. They should have been in grade 12 by now,’’ he said.
Trade unions have pledged their support.
The O-Level exams will be held from May 23 to June 7. Admissions forms are being distributed.
However, the Ceylon Teachers Unions (CTU) said that some schools have not completed the syllabus and the decision to base questions on the whole syllabus is unreasonable.
Schools have been closed for the most part of 2020 and 2021 due to the coronavirus disease pandemic lockdowns and strikes by teachers demanding salary revisions to their remuneration.
Although online classes were held, many children in rural areas did not have wi-fi or smart phones to follow lessons.
Mr Dharmasena said the exams have been rescheduled five months late considering such factors and those including provincial education departments, zonal directors, principals of provincial schools and national schools were consulted.
The unions have also pointed out that the severe shortage of fuel in the country is impeding school transport, especially in the rural areas.
CTU Nuwara Eliya district secretary, V Indraselvan said that many children will be unable to come on time for the exams as public transport is nearly non-existent.
Attendance in school has fallen due to the curfew imposed last week.
The widespread angry reaction largely against ruling party politicians to the violence unleashed against peaceful protesters at Galle Face, and the police curfew, prompted school closures in many provinces.
Although schools opened in north and central provinces, attendance was just 10%.
Mr Dharmasena said he cannot help with transport matters.
“These are general matters and are totally in the hands of the parents. Arrangements can be made to locate the child close to school in a friends or a relatives’ house during the exam period,’’ he said.
Post Master General Ranjith Ariyaratne said the distribution of admissions forms will be completed by the end of this week.
Admissions forms will be uploaded on the examination website also. Candidates will be able to download forms by logging onto the examination department website and typing in their NIC number.
Downloaded print cards will be accepted as a valid admission paper.
Assistance has been sought from the police, disaster management centre, defence ministry, and the education ministry for preparations leading up to the exam week.
Also, all private tuition classes will be suspended from May 17.
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