The G.C.E. Ordinary Level (O/L) examinations are a notable hurdle to be crossed in order to progress to Advanced Level classes. It is a significant milestone in the schooling of a 16-year-old Sri Lankan student – a preliminary step towards deciding a potential career path.

The examinations, although scheduled to be held in 2020, were postponed due to the severity of the COVID-19 outbreak. Therefore, taking into consideration the prevailing conditions, they have been rescheduled to March 1-10, 2021.

In view of this, the Disaster Management Center (DMC), in consultation with the Department of Examinations (DoE), took the initiative in formulating “Access to Examinations Amidst Disasters”, a document encompassing guidelines and operational plans in conducting examinations amidst disasters.

Recognizing the significance of emergency preparedness – particularly for the current pandemic as well as the monsoonal period of March-April – the guidelines were created to coordinate plans and facilitate proper execution in securing the wellbeing of the students during the examination season.

In furthering this mission, A-PAD Sri Lanka was enlisted to provide technical support. The platform attended several meetings with key public sector entities to obtain accurate information in drafting the guidelines. Through these meetings, the document was successfully drafted and published. A-PAD SL involvement and the public-private partnership born out of this joint effort was especially commended by Mr. Sanath Pujitha, the Commissioner General of Examinations, and the platform was encouraged to continue its good work in this regard.

“Access to Examinations Amidst Disasters” was handed over to the Commissioner General by Mr. Sunil Jayaweera, Director of Preparedness and Planning at DMC in the presence of Mr. Firzan Hashim, A-PAD Sri Lanka’s Country Director.

A-PAD SL takes this opportunity to sincerely thank the People of Japan and the ODA (Official Development Assistance) – Embassy of Japan in Sri Lanka, for their generous support in successfully delivering this initiative.

The document can be accessed via:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1EyUzsLaDFl0qvh0jUUlxmzr0pt8g5S-2?usp=sharing