The 2024 Grade 5 Scholarship Examination faced controversy due to leaked questions. Discover the Supreme Court’s ruling and the solution that was chosen to maintain fairness
The 2024 Grade 5 Scholarship Examination has been at the center of controversy after three of its questions were alleged to have been leaked. Following a Supreme Court ruling, the Commissioner General of Examinations, Amith Jayasundara, made the final decision regarding these controversial questions. This article dives into the details of the situation, including the court’s involvement, the possible implications for students, and the solution provided by the Examinations Department.
Introduction: The Grade 5 Scholarship Examination Controversy
The Grade 5 Scholarship Examination is one of the most critical educational milestones in Sri Lanka, determining school placements and providing opportunities for scholarships. However, the 2024 examination became embroiled in a scandal when it was revealed that three questions from the first paper were leaked before the exam. This led to legal action and a ruling by the Supreme Court, which forced the Examinations Department to find a fair solution for all affected students.
The Alleged Leak: What Happened?
Before the 2024 Grade 5 Scholarship Examination took place on September 15, 2024, rumors began circulating about the leakage of three questions from the exam’s first paper. This raised concerns about fairness, as students who had access to the leaked questions would have an unfair advantage. Once the leakage was confirmed, questions about how to resolve the issue began to surface, leading to a significant legal battle.
Supreme Court’s Involvement: A Violation of Rights
The issue escalated when a group of students and their parents filed a petition with the Supreme Court, claiming that the decision to grant free marks for the leaked questions violated their fundamental rights. The petition argued that students who had not accessed the leaked questions were at a disadvantage, as the decision to award free marks for all students could compromise the integrity of the exam.
The Court’s Verdict: Ruling on the Case
On December 31, 2024, the Supreme Court ruled that the decision to grant free marks for the leaked questions was a violation of fundamental human rights. According to the court, the Cabinet of Ministers’ decision to award free marks infringed upon the legal powers of the Commissioner General of Examinations. The court emphasized that only the Commissioner of Examinations has the authority to make decisions regarding the exam, without interference from political figures.
The court also ordered the Commissioner to choose from three options provided by an expert committee:
- Removing the compromised questions from scoring.
- Awarding free marks to all candidates for the leaked questions.
- Re-administering a new test for the affected students.
The court gave the Commissioner the authority to decide which solution would be the most fair and just for all students.
The Final Decision: Awarding Free Marks
After considering all the available options, the Commissioner General of Examinations, Amith Jayasundara, announced that the second option—awarding free marks for the three leaked questions—was the most appropriate solution. According to Jayasundara, this decision was made after careful deliberation and was considered the fairest solution for all students involved.
Why Awarding Free Marks Was the Chosen Option
The decision to award free marks to all students, regardless of whether they were aware of the leaked questions, was made with fairness in mind. The leak had created a situation where some students may have benefited from prior knowledge, while others had not. By awarding free marks to everyone, the Examinations Department aimed to level the playing field and avoid further division among students.
Implications of the Decision: How It Affects Students
Ensuring Fairness for All Students
The decision to grant free marks is intended to ensure that no student is unfairly penalized for something outside their control. The Grade 5 Scholarship Examination is an important event in a student’s educational journey, and ensuring fairness in the process is crucial to maintaining trust in the system.
Addressing Concerns of Students and Parents
The decision has been met with mixed reactions. Some students and parents feel that awarding free marks is a fair solution, while others believe that it undermines the integrity of the examination process. However, the Supreme Court’s involvement and the Examinations Department’s careful consideration of the options suggest that the decision was made with the utmost regard for fairness.
The Legal and Ethical Aspects of the Case
The Role of the Commissioner General of Examinations
One of the key aspects of the court’s ruling was the reinforcement of the authority of the Commissioner General of Examinations. The court clearly stated that the Commissioner has the legal power to make decisions about the examination process, and no other governmental figure or body can influence that decision. This ensures that the examination process remains independent and free from external interference.
The Supreme Court’s Ruling on Administrative Power
The Supreme Court also made it clear that the Minister and Secretary to the Ministry of Education cannot override the decisions made by the Commissioner of Examinations. This ruling has significant implications for the future, as it upholds the integrity of the public examinations system and protects it from potential political manipulation.
Looking Ahead: What This Means for Future Exams
Strengthening Security Measures for Future Examinations
The leak of the three questions has highlighted the need for stronger security measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. The Examinations Department is likely to implement more rigorous protocols to safeguard exam papers, ensuring that such leaks do not occur again.
Possible Changes in Exam Administration
The events surrounding the 2024 Grade 5 Scholarship Examination may lead to changes in how examinations are administered. From enhanced monitoring to the use of digital technologies, the department may explore new ways to improve the security and integrity of the examination process.
Conclusion: A Fair Solution Amidst Controversy
In conclusion, the decision to award free marks for the leaked questions in the 2024 Grade 5 Scholarship Examination represents a fair resolution to a challenging situation. While the controversy surrounding the leak has been unsettling, the involvement of the Supreme Court and the careful consideration of all options by the Examinations Department demonstrate a commitment to fairness and transparency. The decision ultimately ensures that all students, regardless of prior knowledge of the leaked questions, are treated equitably.
FAQs
1. Why were free marks awarded for the leaked questions in the Grade 5 Scholarship Examination?
Free marks were awarded to ensure fairness for all students, regardless of whether they had access to the leaked questions before the exam.
2. What did the Supreme Court rule regarding the 2024 Scholarship Examination?
The Supreme Court ruled that the decision to grant free marks for the leaked questions violated fundamental human rights and instructed the Commissioner General of Examinations to select the best option for resolving the issue.
3. What were the three options presented to the Commissioner General of Examinations?
The three options were: removing the compromised questions from scoring, awarding free marks to all students, or conducting a re-examination.
4. Why did the Commissioner General of Examinations choose to award free marks?
The Commissioner determined that awarding free marks was the fairest solution, ensuring that all students were treated equally despite the leak.
5. How will the Examinations Department prevent future leaks?
The department is likely to implement stronger security measures and more rigorous protocols to prevent future exam paper leaks.
6. How will the decision to award free marks affect students’ future educational opportunities?
The decision ensures that all students have a fair chance to succeed in the Grade 5 Scholarship Examination, which plays a significant role in securing school placements and scholarships.
7. Was the leak of the questions intentional or accidental?
The exact cause of the leak has not been fully disclosed, but it was confirmed that three questions from the first paper of the exam were compromised before the examination.
8. What does the court ruling mean for the power of the Commissioner General of Examinations?
The ruling reinforced the Commissioner’s authority to make decisions independently, without interference from political figures or the Cabinet of Ministers, ensuring the integrity of the examination process.
9. Will this incident lead to changes in the examination system?
Yes, it is likely that the Examinations Department will implement stricter security measures and adopt new technologies to prevent similar incidents in the future.
10. Can students appeal the decision to award free marks?
There is no indication that students can appeal the decision. The ruling from the Supreme Court and the subsequent decision by the Commissioner General of Examinations are final.
