Amidst the considerable challenges faced by students preparing for the 2023 A-Level examinations, MP Rohini Kaviratne’s proposal to delay the exams until the third week of January 2024 has garnered favor within the education sector. This announcement was made today (19) by Education Minister Susil Premajayantha in Parliament.
MP Rohini Kaviratne, representing the Samagi Jana Balawegaya, presented the proposal during the parliamentary session. She stated:
“This year, the final school term of 2023 is slated to commence from October 30 and extend until February 16, 2024.”
“The first school term of 2024 is scheduled to commence on February 19, 2024.”
“Therefore, if we avoid starting high school on November 22 or 27, the third school term will span 8 weeks, from October 30, 2023, to December 22, 2023, and January 1, 2024, to January 19, 2024.”
Kaviratne continued: “If the higher-level exams commence on January 22, they can conclude on February 17, paving the way for the commencement of the first semester of 2024 on February 19.”
She further elaborated, “If the results of the A-level exams taking place in January are released within 3 months, they could be issued in May.”
“In such a scenario, next year’s exams could be scheduled for October, and the examination calendar could be adjusted from 2025.”
In conclusion, Kaviratne emphasized, “By postponing the exam to January 22, we can address all these issues.”
Education and Higher Education Minister Susil Premajayantha lauded the proposal as highly significant. He affirmed that the proposal would be forwarded to the Examinations Department, and the Commissioner General of Examinations would be notified.
An official announcement regarding the proposal is expected from the Commissioner of Examinations in due course.
