An investigation has been launched into a school principal in Sri Lanka’s Central Province over the premature release of Grade 10 third-term examination question papers, according to Central Provincial Director of Education Nihal Alahakoon. The probe follows allegations that science, mathematics, and English papers issued by the Provincial Education Department were distributed to students before the scheduled examination date.
Alahakoon explained that due to severe weather conditions affecting students across the province, Zonal Education Directors had instructed school principals not to conduct third-term examinations for Grades 06 to 09. Instead, principals were advised to distribute the question papers to students and discuss them in class, while examinations were to be held only for Grades 10 and 11. However, he said the current issue arose after one principal allegedly distributed question papers related to all grades, including those scheduled for examinations.
The controversy escalated after former Central Province Minister and Samagi Jana Balawegaya Pathadumbara Electoral Organizer Thilina Bandara Tennakoon addressed a media briefing in Kandy on January 29, claiming that the Grade 10 question papers had been leaked. He questioned how the papers could surface several days before the examination when the relevant subject exams were currently being conducted in schools.
The Director of Education acknowledged that while the Ministry of Education had instructed schools not to conduct third-term examinations for lower grades and to only proceed with examinations for Grades 10 and 11, the early release of question papers created a serious problem. He noted that such actions undermine the integrity of the examination process and raise concerns about administrative discipline within schools.
Tennakoon further alleged that the leaked question papers had been handed to him by an unidentified individual he encountered on a sidewalk in Kandy. He stressed that it was the responsibility of the government to conduct a full investigation into how the papers were released, criticizing the failure to involve the Criminal Investigation Department to determine how the documents were obtained and circulated.
