Bandula changes tune on criticism of A/L results-topping International School candidate

• Says he was pointing out issues violating Government regulations 
• Says international schools are not allowed to send school candidates for local exams
• Says private entities established under Companies act cannot provide education for children between the age of 5 to 14 

Under fire for his comments regarding a top-performing Advanced Level candidate, MP Bandula Gunawardana yesterday said as per Government regulations, performance of private applicants should not be mixed with those sitting for the examination through schools. 

The one-time Education Minister came under criticism for his comments criticising the Education authorities for giving the Advanced Level candidate – a student of an international school – an island rank. The student came first in the Arts Stream, beating all Government and private school candidates. 

“When I was the Minister of Education, questions were raised over international school students sitting for local exams. Then I have pointed out according to Government regulations, exam results of private applicants cannot be coupled with Government school students’ results,” Gunawardana told reporters at Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) headquarters.  

According to Gunawardana, international schools are not allowed to teach the local syllabus to their students, or send candidates to local examinations. He said 78 semi-government schools were granted permission to teach the local syllabus, and Government facilitates those schools to provide education. 

“Certain private institutes were established to provide education to students aged between 5 and 14 years in the 1980s. They were formed under the Companies act. These institutions have started teaching the local syllabus illegally. But those students siting for local examinations had hindered the free education and opportunities of poor children.”

Gunawardana pointed out that under the Government regulations, private entities could not provide education to students aged between 5 and 14 years. “Only Government schools and schools which are granted approval have the right to provide education to students aged between 5 and 14 years,” he added.

He said everyone should respect Government regulations in order to protect free education. Gunawardana also acknowledged his views were based on the Government regulations and not on personal believes. 

However, Gunawardana was unable to explain how coupling private applicants’ exam results with local students’ results affects the free education system. Gunawardana also said he did not have any intention to criticise any individual for their achievements. 

 

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