Seven-member committee appointed to probe Scholarship paper leak

By Nathara Abeywickrema and Dilushi Wijesinghe 

Commissioner General of Examinations, Amith Jayasundara said that a seven-member committee was appointed to conduct a thorough investigation into the recent paper leak of the 2024 Grade 5 scholarship examination.

“The Department of Examinations (DoE) has already conducted a preliminary probe into the leak and submitted its findings to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID). The report identified several officials allegedly involved in the incident, and the CID is expected to conclude the investigation promptly,” he said.

While a final decision regarding the rescheduling of the examination has yet to be made, the Ministry of Education (MoE) has taken this issue seriously, requesting an independent report to address the concerns raised about the integrity of the scholarship examination.

Mr. Jayasundara emphasized that the Ministry is working urgently to resolve these issues, ensuring that the investigation remains both transparent and thorough.

To prevent such incidents from occurring in the future, he underscored the critical need to enhance security protocols surrounding the examination process. This includes tightening access to question papers and ensuring that only authorized personnel are involved in their preparation and handling.

Furthermore, he advocated for the adoption of modern technology, such as digital encryption methods, to safeguard the integrity of examination materials, minimizing the risk of unauthorized access.

Mr. Jayasundara also highlighted the importance of comprehensive training such as regular workshops and briefings for officials involved in the examination process to identify and address potential vulnerabilities effectively. “By fostering a shared commitment to maintaining the integrity of examinations, the likelihood of future paper leaks can be minimized,” he added.

In light of the ongoing investigations by the DoE and CID, the MoE has announced a delay in evaluating the Grade 5 Scholarship Examination papers.

Meanwhile, the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) has requested the DoE to submit a report on the first question paper by Friday.

Given the potential impact on the students, Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, has stressed the need for swift and decisive action. Dr. Amarasuriya has directed that the interests of children remain the top priority and has instructed MoE officials to prevent any undue pressure or injustice to students.

This includes forming an independent committee of local and international experts to evaluate current examination methods and provide recommendations.