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Education authorities should prioritize convenience of students over theirs’ – President

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In a recent discussion, President Ranil Wickremesinghe expressed his concerns about the obstacles faced by students when taking exams in unfamiliar environments. 

He emphasized the need for the Ministry of Education and the Examinations Department to prioritize the convenience and progress of students over their own convenience. Recognizing the difficulties faced by students, the President advised the education authorities to transform schools with a minimum of 75 qualified students into examination centres, provided that it doesn’t disrupt on-going exam activities. He instructed officials to take prompt action in implementing this plan.

During the discussion, it was revealed that the 2023 GCE O/L examination, which began today (29), would be conducted in 3,568 centres, accommodating a total of 472,553 students. The government has employed approximately 40,000 officials for the smooth execution of the exams.

However, President Wickremesinghe received reports from concerned parents and students regarding the inconvenience caused by redirecting students from their own schools to other examination centres. The Ministry of Education and the Department of Examinations explained that they had made this decision due to the prevailing economic situation, aiming to limit the number of examination centres.

Understanding the impact this has on students’ mental well-being, the President stressed the importance of informing schools and students about such changes at least one year in advance. He also emphasized the necessity of establishing a formal program to conduct all examinations related to children’s education without any delay. The President clarified that it is not the responsibility of the Examinations Department to provide reasons for not holding exams but rather the primary duty of the Ministry of Education and the Examination Department to create a conducive environment for students to take exams in familiar surroundings.

The discussion was attended by Senior Advisor to the President on National Security and Chief of Staff, Mr Sagala Ratnayake, Secretary to the President, Mr Saman Ekanayake, Secretary to the Ministry of Education, Mr Nihal Ranasinghe, Commissioner of Examinations, Mr Amit Jayasundara, and other officials.

(President’s Media Division)

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Designated driver wasn’t at wheel during Dunhida bus crash

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Investigations into the tragic bus accident in the Dunhida area, along the Badulla–Mahiyanganaya main road, have revealed that the designated driver wasn’t at the wheel at the time of the crash.

According to the Police, the person at the wheel had initially volunteered to move the bus parked near the Muthiyangana Temple in the absence of the actual driver. 

When the official driver later arrived, he had allowed this individual to continue driving the bus.

Police also say that the individual at the wheel also possesses a valid driving license.

The accident, which occurred on June 21, had claimed the lives of 03 persons and injured 31 others.

The bus was reportedly transporting a group from Thambuttegama, Anuradhapura, on a pilgrimage to Kumbalwela.

(Pic : Accident1st)

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Parliament to allocate rest area for MPs’ drivers

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The Parliamentary House Committee has discussed the need to provide a temporary resting area for drivers of Parliamentarians during parliamentary sittings.

Parliamentary sources stated that arrangements will be made to allocate a suitable location for this purpose in the future.

(Source: Lankadeepa)

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Deshabandu to testify before investigative committee today

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Suspended Inspector General of Police (IGP) Deshabandu Tennakoon is scheduled to testify before the committee appointed to inquire into allegations of misconduct and gross abuse of power of his office today (June 23).

The committee, tasked with probing these allegations, is set to convene today at 9.30 a.m. at the Parliament complex.

The committee will continue hearings from today until Wednesday (June 25) during which 15 witnesses from the IGP’s side are expected to testify. The committee will then meet again on Thursday, June 26 at 2:00 p.m. to continue proceedings.

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