Education Ministry revises attendance circular

Dharma Sri Abeyratne

COLOMBO: Following protests by students and parents, the Ministry of Education has decided to amend Circular 2006/45, requiring GCE Advanced Level students to mark 80 per cent attendance if they are to sit their AL exams.

A new circular has been issued in this regard vesting authority with the principals to use their discretion in deciding if a student should not be permitted to sit the exam due to frequent absenteeism. However this will be limited to only one year.

According to circular 2006/45, students have to complete 80 per cent attendance when schools are in session and principals have been requested not to allow candidates who fail to mark 80 per cent to submit their applications. But with the amendment, the 80 per cent attendance rule will not be compulsory for a period of one year.

The decision regarding this was taken by the Ministry of Education on Monday and the new circular has been sent to all schools.