Opposition Leader questions decision on exams, when syllabus not covered

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka's Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa questioned the government as to how it reached a decision on the examination dates at a time when the complete syllabus has not been completed and when there is an issue with respect to online learning.

On Monday (19), Sri Lanka’s Education Minister announced the dates of two key examinations in Sri Lanka for 2021.

The grade 5 scholarship examination is scheduled to be held on the 14th of November 2021.

The GCE Advanced level examination will be held from the 15th of November to the 10th of December.

However, the opposition questioned if it is possible for teachers to complete the Advanced Level syllabus within a few months, given that practical examinations and term examinations have not taken place in a proper manner.

The Opposition Leader said it is wise to decide on examinations after completing the syllabus for Grade 05 and Advanced Level.

He further slammed the government for not having any program to administer the COVID-19 vaccine to students and questioned what assurance will be given with respect to the safety of students who would be sitting for the examinations later this year.

State Minister of Education Reforms, Open Universities, and Distance Learning Promotion Susil Premajayantha said the plan is to re-open schools in stages two weeks after the teachers are administered with the second dose of the COVID vaccine.

He said there will be no practical examinations for Advanced Level and only practical learning will take place.

He said as of Monday (19) 46,603 teachers in the Western Province have been administered the COVID-19 vaccine which is 97% of the cadre.

He added the COVID-19 vaccine will be administered to school students only on the recommendations of the health authorities.