The Ministry of Education has announced a decision to award full marks to all students for three questions in this year’s Grade 05 Scholarship Examination that were allegedly leaked in advance. This resolution follows the recommendations of a committee of experts appointed to address the issue.
The expert committee advised against re-conducting the examination, citing concerns about the potential impact on the mental well-being of children who had already taken the exam. They stressed that ensuring fairness for all students is paramount, and awarding full marks for the three disputed questions was deemed the most appropriate solution.
The committee further noted that suspending the examination would likely create significant stress for teachers, parents, and the broader school system.
The Ministry of Education had established a seven-member committee to determine whether a re-examination was necessary. According to Ministry Secretary Thilaka Jayasundara, the final decision was made following the guidance of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.
The controversy arose after allegations surfaced regarding the leakage of certain questions in the Scholarship Examination. Both the Department of Examinations and the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) have launched investigations into the matter.
