Hotline for O-L exam related complaints

Irangika Range

The Examination Department introduced a 24 hour hotline, 1911, to entertain complaints regarding the GCE Ordinary Level examination.

Addressing a media briefing in Colombo yesterday, Examinations Commissioner W.M.N.J. Pushpakumara said complaints pertaining to any irregularity relating to the examination can be lodged through the hotline. Complaints will be investigated with the assistance of the Police. Action will be taken against candidates, invigilators and supervisors as the case may be, he said.

"If a candidate found guilty, he or she can either be banned for life from sitting examinations or prohibited for sitting examinations for a certain period," he said.

Education Minister Bandula Gunawardena said the GCE O-L examination commenced yesterday with 542,260 candidates are appearing for the exam. Of this, 387,593 are school applicants.

The examination is being conducted in 4,048 centres with 537 coordinating centres attended by 34,000 public officers. The Examinations Department has set up teams for supervision and coordination of all the examination centres covering all provinces, on a 24 hour basis.

He said the examination commenced at 8.30 am yesterday and it will continue until December 20.

Carrying hand phones into exam halls is banned for candidates and teachers on supervision.

He said outsiders are prohibited to enter the premises of examination centres.