Examinations Commissioner General, Indika Kumari Liyanage, yesterday urged Advanced Level candidates, affected by the recent disaster, to obtain study notes and essential material from friends, or through online platforms, and face the remaining postponed examination papers with determination.

She told The Island that none of the answer scripts of subjects already completed had been damaged, and since candidates had been prepared to sit the full examination, arrangements were underway to hold the remaining papers in early January.

Liyanage said only about seven days of the exam remained when it was suspended due to the disaster. While some candidates had completed one subject and others all three, all had finished their studies and were ready for the exam, making it necessary to resume the process without delay, she said.

A prolonged postponement would delay the release of results, university admissions and applications to foreign universities, she warned.

Initial marking of answer scripts, already handed in, has already commenced.

The Commissioner said that zonal offices have been asked to submit data on the condition of examination centres, including whether any schools are still being used to shelter displaced persons. However, some zones have yet to provide this information due to ongoing difficulties.

Despite these challenges, the Department is preparing to conduct the exam in early January. Liyanage appealed once more to affected students to rebuild their notes if they were lost during the disaster, seek help from friends or well-wishers, and face the examination with courage and determination.

By Chaminda Silva ✍️

A CEB technician died while working to restore Sri Lanka’s battered national grid in the wake of Cyclone Ditwah, the utility said, adding to the growing toll of first responders.

The victim, 41-year-old Anurudda Kumara, had joined the CEB as a temporary worker, before becoming permanent in 2017, and was attached to the Ukuwela Power Station, the utility said in a WhatsApp message. Kumara, who had served as a cable linesman, since 2022, was electrocuted on 03 December while repairing the Bowatte–Weerapokuna high-tension line. He died after being admitted to hospital.

Meanwhile, several Road Development Authority (RDA) workers were injured when an earth mound collapsed during clearing work on the Welimada–Nuwara Eliya main road in the Gawarammana area on Saturday. One worker buried in the slide was rescued, according to reports.

A high-level delegation from the International Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) visited the JVP headquarters in Pelawatta, Battaramulla, on Wednesday (03) as part of an observation tour aimed at strengthening party-to-party cooperation.

The group included Kang Shuai, Deputy Director-General of the Information Centre of the CPC International Department; Jiang Wen, Associate Professor at the Party School of the Beijing Municipal Committee; and Zhang Guifeng, Director of the CPC Information Research Centre.

The delegation began its visit at the JVP’s Colombo District Office in Maharagama, where they held detailed discussions on the severe natural disaster Sri Lanka is currently facing and the relief efforts underway for affected communities. NPP MPs Devananda Suraveera and Lakmali Hemachandra, along with local government representatives, including Maharagama Mayor Saman Samarakkon, Deputy Mayor Ranjani Naotunna and Homagama Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman Kasun Ratnayake, took part in the talks.

Later, the Chinese officials proceeded to the JVP’s main headquarters for a meeting with NPP Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Sunil Watagala. Discussions focused on Sri Lanka’s ongoing emergency situation and the support China is extending to help the country recover.

Deputy Minister Watagala thanked the CPC for its continued assistance, while Kang Shuai noted that China had itself endured many similar natural disasters and developed strong disaster-management capabilities. The delegation also briefed JVP officials on China’s development trajectory, highlighting the ongoing implementation of the CPC’s 15th Five-Year Plan.

As a gesture of friendship, the CPC delegation presented a donation of books to the JVP headquarters, marking their commitment to further strengthening ties between the two parties.