Measures to conduct alternative exams in Grade 7/8 instead of the Grade 5 scholarship : President

President Maithripala Sirisena yesterday (Apr 01) said that measures will be taken to conduct an alternative exam under the guidance of Education specialists, to be held in Grade 07 or 08 instead of the Grade 5 scholarship examination.

President Sirisena addressing an event at the Subharathi Maha Vidyalaya in Godagama said this exam would lead students to select their respective fields based on the results of this exam.

Mr Sirisena said further that the objective of abolishing the Grade Five examination was to provide a better education system for children while implementing necessary educational reforms according to the educational methods used in developed countries.

 Mr. Sirisena in his address observed that the Grade Five Scholarship exam which was established to provide proper education for children of low-income earning families, has now become a milestone that students aspire to achieve in order to enter the “so-called popular schools” in the country.

“Statistics show that 86 percent of the students who enter universities have not passed the grade five scholarship exams,” the President pointed out.

Mr Sirisena  emphasized the importance of ending the competition in the education sector to ensure an equal opportunity for education for all children in the country under the proposed changes that are taking place in the educational system to create a disciplined generation.

The President further mentioned that the current education system that creates graduates who carry placards calling for jobs must also be changed.