School admission 2010:

New formula ready

Chaminda PERERA

The Government yesterday decided to make several amendments to the Year One school admission formula to undo the injustice caused to the children who are living close to popular schools from next year.

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved a memorandum submitted by Education Minister Susil Premajayantha to amend the existing Year One school admission formula to provide a wider opportunity to the children living close to the schools.

“The Government has accommodated a special place for the children of public servants, expatriate workers and past pupils in the amended formula which will be effective from next year.

“Media Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena at the weekly Cabinet press briefing yesterday said the children who are living in close proximity to schools will be given 50 percent of marks while the children of past students will receive 25 percent of marks at the interview.

“The Minister in the Cabinet Memorandum has also proposed to grant 10 percent of marks to the children of public servants and expatriate workers at the Year One admission interviews. According to Minister Lakshman Yapa, 15 percent marks will be given to children if their brothers or sisters are studying in the same school.

The Cabinet of Ministers has also granted permission to fill existing principal vacancies in 86 National schools islandwide in compliance with the Public Service Commission guidelines.

The Minister said the Ministry will follow the marking scheme approved by the PSC in selecting the right persons to hold these positions.

These positions have been vacant for a number of years.