Not possible to hold G.C.E. (O/L) Exam next month - Minister

By Yohan Perera and Ajith Siriwardana   

Whilst highlighting that it is not possible to hold the G.C.E. Ordinary Level Exam next month, Education Minister Professor G. L. Peiris told Parliament that the fresh dates will be announced without inconveniencing the candidates.   

“We will give at least six weeks for the students to prepare and announce the new schedule,” the Minister said.  
“It is not possible to hold the examination in January as it will be unfair by the students who do not attend schools at the moment as only 50 percent of the students attend schools presently, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic,” he said.  

Referring to a query made by SJB MP Eran Wickramaratne on the new steps taken by the Government to provide education to students in the future in the aftermath of the pandemic, the Minister said the Gurugedera Education Programme on TV will continue, while distance learning may be introduced to schools in the future.