The Government yesterday announced that a sum of Rs. 39 million has been allocated to strengthen safety measures implemented in G.C.E Advanced Level examination centres to ensure students sitting for the exams are protected from COVID-19.

The Department of Government Information in a statement issued yesterday said School Development Societies of schools that are being used as examination centres, will each receive Rs. 15,000 for these measures. There are 2,648 centres allocated for the examination in the country.

According to Education Ministry Secretary Professor Kapila Perera, the sum was deposited to the relevant bank accounts yesterday, as per the instructions of Education Minister Professor G.L Peiris. While the provisions are being granted by the Education Ministry, it is in addition to facilities provided to invigilators and staff, like disinfectant, face masks and protective gear.

Professor Perera also made an assurance that no issues have been reported from examination halls thus far and that all measures have been taken to ensure the safety of staff allocated to examination centres.

In a separate statement issued yesterday, the Education Ministry said the Ministry can be informed of any shortcomings in the safety measures implemented in examination centres via the 1988 hotline.

Divulapitiya cluster grows with 127 new COVID cases