Education sector takes a beating

Trade Unions and Students Associations in the education sector expressed these views on the subject Minister due to various issues which have cropped up in the sector.

They point out that due to several factors, the education sector is moving from crisis to crisis.

On numerous occasions, Newsfirst exposed the grievous oversight that had been committed when releasing the results of the G.C.E. Advanced Level Examinations in 2011, along with the results statements of candidates.

While this issue became a serious topic of discussion across the country, the Ministry of Education stated that results were calculated for Z scores by pooling both students who sat for the examinations under the old syllabus and the new.

On numerous occasions we pointed out the issues with this system, incorporating the views of several experts. Although a committee of experts was appointed to investigate the matter, the conclusion that the Ministry of Education arrived at, was that there was no error in the results.

Against this backdrop, the problem came before the Supreme Court.

Considering a petition which had been filed, the Chief Justice stated recently that it was a grave mistake to not notify candidates for the 2011 G.C.E .A/L examination, beforehand, that a new system was being followed in calculating their results.

Justice Nimal Gamini Amaratunge stated that the Chemistry question paper bears testament that there were several mistakes made with regard to the 2011 G.C.E. A/L examinations.

Experts in the sector state that several incorrect decisions have created problems within the education sector.

Chairman of FUTA, Dr. Nirmal Ranjith Dewasiri shared these thoughts 

’’The Minister must have the mental preparation to obtain the knowledge of those knowledgeable on the matter. The way I see it the current Minister does not possess this quality. There are no ministers in Sri Lanka who resign when issues crop up. Rather than having a Minister who chases after critics, we
need a minister who possesses the quality of looking into criticism.


General Secretary of Lanka Teacher Services Association, Mahinda Jayasinghe shared these views 

We wondered if the Minister would let go of his usual jests and go beyond being a joker and work with wisdom when he took the education portfolio. But today we can see that nothing of that sort has taken place.

Convenor of IUSF, Sanjeewa Bandara shared these views 

’’When Minister Bandula Gunawardena shirked his responsibilities, the government did not remove him. We ask why the Minister who created a crisis in a national level examination and took steps to destroy the future and the reputation of the country, is still holding a ministerial position?

Meanwhile, a group of parents revealed today that they have been placed under great stress due to the latest circular issued by the Ministry of Education.

A students shared this view 

Instead of improving facilities provided like text books and uniforms, if they are taking this step with the intention of maintaining numbers in schools, then it is wrong.

General Secretary of Ceylon Teachers’ Union Joseph Stalin shared these views 

This is completely wrong and must be stopped immediately. We must consider the fundamental rights of the children and the goals of education. When haphazard decisions like this are made without considering these factors, we see it as a joke. This jest must be halted immediately.