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Exam and weather: A/L students fighting two battles, teachers say
View(s):By Nathara Abeywickrema
Candidates of the ongoing GCE Advanced Level (A/L) examination faced unprecedented challenges as adverse weather conditions swept across the country.
Heavy rains and flooding disrupted access to examination centres, with students in affected areas struggling to reach their venues on time. The stress of navigating flooded roads, coupled with the fear of missing their exams, significantly heightened the mental strain already weighing on many students. According to Joseph Stalin, Secretary of the Ceylon Teachers’ Union, this dual challenge took a heavy toll. “For many students, it was like preparing for two battles, one against the exams and another against the weather,” he said.
Teachers in affected areas echoed this sentiment, pointing out how floodwaters had submerged several main roads, making the journey to exam centers an ordeal in itself.
Ampara District Secretary Chinthaka Abeywickrema reported that adverse weather conditions caused significant delays for students traveling to two exam centres. Some students were forced to use boats for transportation, adding further challenges as they prepared to sit for a crucial, life-changing examination.
In the Anuradhapura District, students faced numerous obstacles, with some even wading through floodwaters to reach their exam centres. District Secretary Ranjith Wimalasooriya highlighted the gravity of the situation: “Many students had to travel long distances through flooded roads, and in some cases, their exam centres were inaccessible.”
A/L students of Puttalam Hindu School wade through flood waters. Pic by Hiran Priyankara Jayasinghe
Similarly, in Puttalam, the situation was equally dire. Divisional Secretary H M S P Herath noted that students in several areas had to rely on boats to navigate the flooded terrain. “The conditions were extremely challenging, especially for those from remote villages,” he explained. “Some students arrived at the centres drenched and exhausted, which undoubtedly affected their performance.”
In addition to the hardships students were already enduring, serious concerns were raised regarding the security of examination papers. After each session, the papers are transported back to secure locations for grading, often through flood-affected areas. This has sparked fears of potential leaks, as some examination centres reported delays in the collection process due to blocked or damaged transport routes.
Commissioner General of Examinations Amith Jayasundara dismissed these allegations, assuring that students and parents need not worry about potential paper leaks, which he emphasised were highly unlikely. He added that returning the examination papers to the department is the safest course of action, as it ensures better security than leaving them elsewhere.
The department is prepared to relocate exam centres if necessary and has instructed provincial officers and directors to report any centres that are no longer usable due to the severe weather. They have also been asked to provide information about students currently staying in safe houses. These reports are expected by the weekend, after which the department will ensure that all necessary facilities are provided for the affected students, the Examinations Chief highlighted.
The All-Ceylon Principals’ Union has echoed these concerns. Union Secretary Mohan Parakrama Weerasinghe pointed out that while the Examinations Department has contingency plans in place, the magnitude of the current weather conditions required more robust interventions. “We need to explore options like digital tracking of exam papers or deploying specialised transport teams during adverse weather. The education of our children is too important to be left vulnerable,” he added.
The examination is scheduled to resume on Wednesday, December 4. As of now, students and teachers alike are hoping that the remaining sessions of the A/L examinations proceed without further postponements.
Recheduled exams
Exams originally scheduled for Wednesday, November 27, will now be held on Saturday, December 21, while those set for Thursday, November 28, have been rescheduled to Monday, December 23. Exams initially planned for Friday, November 29, will take place on Friday, December 27, and those scheduled for Saturday, November 30, will be conducted on Saturday, December 28. Additionally, exams that were to be held on Monday, December 2, have been moved to Monday, December 30, and exams from Tuesday, December 3, will now occur on Tuesday, December 31.
However, the insights gained from this year’s challenges underline the critical importance of preparation and proactive measures in safeguarding the future of education, a position strongly supported by teacher unions.
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