No repeat of Grade Five scholarship exam

Education authorities yesterday said, in line with recommendations made by an independent specialist committee appointed to probe the recent alleged leak of the Grade Five scholarship examination paper, it has been decided not to hold the examination again and award marks to all students who sat for the exam for the three disputed questions.

This was conveyed through a statement signed by the Education Science and Technology and Ministry Secretary  and Commissioner General for Examinations Amit Jayasundera. The committee appointed on the instructions of the Prime Minister and Education Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya had pointed out that holding a fresh examination will bring immense mental stress on students who are as young as 10 years.

It will also be stressful for teachers, students and the entire school system, they had pointed out while recommending the best solution will be to award marks for all students for the three disputed questions without holding a fresh examination.

According to a preliminary report from the Criminal Investigation Department, given to the Secretary to the Ministry of Education it has been mentioned that the questions which were circulated on social media had been discussed prior to the exam and three questions of the Scholarship exam (first part) had been leaked.

However, the CID has informed there is no evidence to suggest that other questions in addition to the three disputed question has been leaked prior to the exam.

Education authorities said the above decision had been taken as the best alternative and also as a measure not to cause any injustice to students.