Is Grade Five Schol exam politicised?

By Buddhika Samaraweera

Minister of Trade, Dr. Bandula Gunawardena said he would request the authorities to conduct an impartial inquiry  on whether the cut-off marks for the Grade Five Scholarship Examination from 2015 to date was decided on political influence.

The Minister said the cut off marks for the Grade Five Scholarship Examination, this time around too, have been decided by various persons.

“I hope to inform Cabinet regarding this issue. If the allegations are proved correct, there should be an investigation as to who exerted such pressure and the basis on which the cut off marks were decided.”

“Last year I lodged a complaint with the CID seeking an inquiry into the matter. But this time too, the marks have been decided in the same manner. Education authorities need to clarify, as a matter of urgency, what the procedure is,” he added.

The Minister further said there is no transparency in the methodology to categorise popular schools and deciding the cut off marks.

"There has been no explanation as to what the criteria is to determine the cut off marks for the Scholarship Examination and the formula used. Parents, children and teachers are unaware of the method adopted by the Ministry of Education. I believe these decisions are made according to the whims and fancies of various parties,” Dr. Gunawardena also said.