Dullas to Opposition:

Don’t destroy students’ confidence in examination system

Disna Mudalige

Youth Affairs and Skills Development Minister Dullas Allahapperuma yesterday requested the Opposition not to destroy the confidence of student community in the country’s examination system.

Addressing a press conference at the Mahaweli Centre yesterday, the minister asked the Opposition political parties not to indiscriminately criticize the country’s examination process to cover up their political bankruptcy.

He observed if the faith and confidence of the students in the examination system collapse it would adversely affect the education sector.

He noted that Education Minister Bandula Gunawardena has asked the CID to conduct a special inquiry into the grade five scholarship examination complaints. He said such incidents have occurred even in the past.

Responding to a question by a journalist referring to the visit of the Swaziland King, he observed Swaziland had stood by Sri Lanka in the international arena at most critical times. Citing an example, he reminded how the External Affairs Minister of Swaziland made a strong statement supporting Sri Lanka when serious allegations and proposals were leveled against the country at the Commonwealth meeting in 2011.

He noted that Swaziland being an observer of the UNHRC supported Sri Lanka at crucial times adding that Seychelles too voted in favour of the country. He noted that what matters most in enhancing diplomatic relations is the respect and intimacy those states show to our country.