Rs. 900 m not collected from schoolchildren - Ministry

The news item where UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe charged that Rs. 900 million were collected from schoolchildren as exam fees recently is totally false.

It is regretting to note that, as usual, Wickremesinghe was most probably mislead by some one, who gave wrong information and figures, the Education Ministry said in a release yesterday.

The term tests for schools were conducted by the Provincial Councils. It should be mentioned that the money allocations were granted by the respective Provincial Councils. According to Ranil Wickremesinghe's statement fees had been charged by several Provincial Councils", the Minister added.

"We must mention that the Western Province and the Southern Province did not charge examination fees. Wickremesinghe has stated that no one knew how these funds were spent.

"Wickremesinghe as a seasoned politician should be aware that according to the 13th Amendment, firstly the audits are conducted provincially and if there are any discrepancies it will be taken up in Provincial Public Accounts discussions", the release said.

Wickremesinghe in his statement has stated that the Education Minister and Commissioner General of Examinations are totally responsible for situation.

The release added: "The Opposition Leader allegations are totally untrue. Wickremesinghe made an allegation that the Education Minister has to take the full responsibility regarding this matter.

"The Minister, sometime back replied to a question posed in Parliament giving full details relating to this matter and have already taken steps and disciplinary action against the culprits.

The Examinations Department does not hold responsibility in conducting term tests. As a person who held the prestigious position of Premiership and the portfolio of the Education Minister Wickremesinghe, should have known that the Commissioner General of Examination conducts all Public Examinations including the GCE (O/L) and GCE (A/L) and it is not their function to conduct the school Term Test Examination.

Addressing the representatives of the UNP led National Educational Service Union, the Opposition Leader pointed out defects of Z-Score.

We wish to remind him and his NESLI leaders that, he himself was the one who introduced this Z-score during his tenure of office as the Prime Minister in 2001.

In considering his false allegations, it is sad to note Wickremesinghe has mistaken 9M in the Central Province for 900 million. It should be mentioned in holding 'term test' in all nine provinces, a total Rs. 90 million is sufficient.

"Education Minister Susil Premajayantha as the Western Province Chief Minister conducted term tests at Provincial Level without a financial burden on students and parents".