New Z-score formula makes way for 5,609 new admissions

Jayantha de SILVA

The Supreme Court yesterday while nullifying the previous GCE (AL) island wide rankings under both old and new syllabi issued on July 22 , 2012 directed the University Grants Commission (UGC) to adopt the fourth formula (scheme) formulated by the UGC with assistance of the Examination Department in respect of admissions to the state universities for the academic year 2011/2012.

The Supreme Court further ordered that both freshers and the third and the final time repeaters of the last 2011/2012 academic year in both old and new populations (categories) be allowed to to sit for the 2013 GCE (AL) Examination.

Furthermore, to issue two cut off points on district basis based on both old and new syllabi.

The Bench comprised Chief Justicce Shirani Bandaranayake, Justice K.Sri Pavan and Justice Gamini Ameratunge.

“By this method another opportunity is availed to almost all who sat for the GCE (AL) Examination “, the Chief Justice observed.

Under the Supreme Court ruling the state universities are billed to admit student intake of 5609, in addition to the normal intake of 21,500. In compliance of the ruling 681 new admissions to the Arts Faculty is envisaged.

The Bench observed that five discussions were held by the UGC and the discussions sought a solution to the issue.

Prior to the ruling the Bench held a lengthy discussion with the Attorney General Palitha Fernando and counsel, including, Attorney at Law Faiz Musthafa PC appearing for the UGC, S.Jayawardana and Saliya Pieris appearing for the petitioners.

The counsel submitted that the new admissions are scheduled to be on October 15.

Council Pieris submitted that expectations arose with the last Supreme Court’s ruling although there may be certain segments not accepting the ruling which might not meet their expectations.