Media Release

Regarding the Issue of the Grade 5 Scholarship Examination

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya held a special discussion today (26.09.2024) with officials from the Ministry of Education regarding the problematic situation concerning the leakage of some questions from the Grade 5 scholarship examination, which was held on 15.09.2024.

The Ministry of Education has informed that the following actions have been taken:

The Department of Examinations, Sri Lanka, has conducted a preliminary internal investigation and submitted a report to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) regarding the officers suspected to be involved in the incident. Consequently, the CID has initiated an investigation and arrested a suspect. The CID has stated that the investigation will be concluded soon, and legal action will be taken against the offenders.

Furthermore, the Prime Minister has instructed that an independent committee, comprising both local and international experts in examination evaluation methods, be appointed to provide recommendations promptly.

Recognizing the sensitivity of this issue for parents and children, the Prime Minister has emphasized the need to take swift and appropriate measures to ensure that children are not subjected to undue pressure or injustice, while safeguarding their best interests. These actions will be based on the forthcoming reports.

Prime Minister’s Media