Grade 5 Scholarship answer scripts paper marking suspended due to ongoing investigations: Ministry

By Chaturanga Pradeep Samarawickrama   

The scrutiny of answer scripts of the 2024 Grade 5 Scholarship Examination has been suspended due to ongoing investigations into the leak of the first paper in Anuradhapura, Education Ministry Secretary J.M.Thilaka Jayasundara said.   

Addressing the media she said the President and Education Minister have ordered a re-examination of the Grade 5 Scholarship, following a report from the Examinations Department and CID investigation.   

An investigation has been launched by the relevant departments into the first paper of the recently held Grade 5 Scholarship Examination, the secretary said.   

According to the Examinations Act, the 2024 Grade 5 exam was conducted properly. However, the ministry cannot make any decisions until the investigation reports are received, she said.   

If it is proven that the first paper was leaked, a re-examination may be held. The Examination Commission is taking disciplinary action against those involved in leaking the paper before the exam date.    The exam results will not be released until the investigation is completed. The scrutiny of answer scripts has also been suspended. If the leak affected the students, the exam may have to be held again. Parents and students are asked to remain patient until the investigation is concluded.   

Preliminary investigations by the North Central Provincial Education Department revealed that an assistant invigilator had shared photos of the first question paper with a social media group of private tutors before the exam began.   

Around 100 parents have filed complaints with the Anuradhapura Police Headquarters, asking for the exam to be re-held.