JVP union sees political angle to Examination Department decision

By Rathindra Kuruwita

The Ceylon Teachers Service Union (CTSU) yesterday urged the government to hold the practical test for aesthetic subjects for students sitting the GCE OL examination, in March.

On 05 February 2021, the Commissioner of Examinations informed school principals through a letter (RD/16/02/5BA/OL/2020) not to hold the practical test because of the pandemic and instead to take average test scores of previous exams held in schools.

 Mahinda Jayasinghe, General Secretary of the CTSU told The Island that the Department of Examinations had held practical tests for GCE AL students a few months before. Even COVID-19-infected students were given the opportunity to sit the practical test and due to the dedication of examination staff, those practical tests were conducted successfully.

 “The decision to use school-based test scores, which are highly subjective and widely criticized for various other reasons, is a very bad move. Moreover, RD/16/02/5BA/OL/2020 does not even give specific instructions. We have a feeling that the Department of Examinations has not taken this decision after careful deliberation; it smacks of a political motive.”

Jayasinghe said that aesthetic subjects were important to create humane citizens and practical skills were very important. By getting rid of the practical aspect of those subjects, the government was also preventing the future development of those subjects.

 “We urge the government to reverse this decision. If not, we will hold demonstrations with the support of everyone in the sector.”