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Cabinet rejects ‘N’ pass

14 July 2010 04:27 pm - 21     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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By Ajantha Kumara Agalaka


Cabinet today rejected a proposal by Education Minister Bandula Gunawardena to introduce a new grading for the Ordinary Level examinations to enable students enter Advanced Level classes. The near pass system or ‘N’ pass was to be given to students who obtain marks between 25 and 34.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa had reportedly told his Cabinet which met in Killinochchi today that instead of introducing such a grading the knowledge of the student should be increased.

The Education Ministry had said yesterday that the eligibility for students to enter the GCE A/L class will increase by 11% with the introduction of a new grading ‘N’ to the G.C.E. O/L results in addition to the prevalent grades of A, B, C, S and W.

This rank was mainly introduced to help resolve certain issues concerning the eligibility to enter the A/L class due to the failure of Mathematics at the G.C.E. O/Ls,” Education Ministry Secretary Sunil M. Sirisena told the Daily Mirror yesterday. (Daily Mirror online)


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  Comments - 21

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  • nizam Thursday, 15 July 2010 05:13 AM

    First of we have to organise an examination of O/L on our dear ministers and see whether they will pass on the exam. Ministers and government wont care about these children bcos their game is over even if they qualified or unqualified, they all elected by people of this country and their children are studying in western countries even if they qualifed or not since they have money...Bcos of the ministerial power they play with our children and forget their past qualification

    Sk Thursday, 15 July 2010 07:13 AM

    I thank Mr. President for rejecting this N pass. It is a Wise decision.

    Elaris Thursday, 15 July 2010 07:10 AM

    Whether we agree or not this suggestion has come from the ministry, presumably after careful consideration. How on earth can cabinet over turn such a decision

    Sampath Thursday, 15 July 2010 06:33 AM

    First we should have mathematics O/L exam for minisiters then decide whether we can implement or not.

    DireStraits Thursday, 15 July 2010 06:19 AM

    As usual, trying to reinvent the wheel.
    I'd say first make them qualify an apttitude test before these morons contest elections. Then again they will introduce an 'N' (can do NOTHING else) grade and pass everyone.

    Rajitha Thursday, 15 July 2010 05:56 AM

    another brilliant idea for Minister Bandula.
    why don't you bring down the math cut off pass mark to Zero? Sir, by doing that you'll be able to achieve 100% pass rate for math, and set a world record even.

    p.s. it seems the cabinet has been wise enough to understand Minister's decision of bringing an N grade is equivalent to what i've mentioned above.

    Upul Thursday, 15 July 2010 05:39 AM

    so you think bandula Gunawardana is uneducated.

    ruwan ferdinandez Thursday, 15 July 2010 05:38 AM

    What was wrong with Bandula Gunawardene? What is the point in asking this question from the cabinet? He should instead have advised paper marking teachers to double the scores once marked if they are below 45% and trple them if below 20. That way everybody's a winner.

    ruwan ferdinandez Thursday, 15 July 2010 05:33 AM

    The reason why they rejected it was because in foreign universities, where most MP's and Army officers' children apply to, it could be misunderstood to a 'No-pass'. Also I have a better suggestion. How about holding the O/L after A/L? That way everybody will be able to sit for A/L. How about that? I think I should be a minister in this government.

    Rajitha Thursday, 15 July 2010 05:22 AM

    at last some sense of sensibility by the part of the cabinet. the truth is anybody who is unable to gain 35 for math should not be allowed higher education on tax payers' money.

    Raj Thursday, 15 July 2010 05:19 AM

    A good decision taken by the President. Thank you.
    If the problem is with mathematics (as the students have to pass maths) best thing is to improve the quality of maths teachers instead of degrading the results. Propose method devalues the importance of maths. I wonder whose idea is this.

    citizen1 Wednesday, 14 July 2010 06:11 PM

    Have any of these characters who are discussing the education system even pased their 'o'levels'?

    Far Thinker Thursday, 15 July 2010 05:09 AM

    Its unfortunate a minister is being under-estimated!

    Jacky Thursday, 15 July 2010 04:57 AM

    Grading is good. But as president says they should increase students knowledge. See the behavior of students in universities who got the higher grades. No difference with dirty politicians. Student knowledge should increase with all human qualities. Otherwise it will be same like that doc remanded for rape case.

    Dheen Thursday, 15 July 2010 04:53 AM

    In the first place the government should revamp the educational system. Introduce different avenues for the students to choose, not merely going to the University and obtaining a degree in the chosen field. The need of the hour should be taken into consideration, rather than just having an obsolete system that has been in existence since independence. A developing country like Sri Lanka needs professionals in different fields, just not Arts, Commerce and Science graduates who cannot find employment after graduation who later form into revolt groups against the government. This is where the authorities eyes are veiled.

    Lakmal Thursday, 15 July 2010 04:47 AM

    If they introduce N pass all cabinet ministers can get maximum N pass. Thats why they refused it.

    Cynic Thursday, 15 July 2010 04:42 AM

    I suggest that a new grade call "P" (Politician) be introduced for marks between 0 and 5 which will be a qualification to enter politics.

    Graduate2 Thursday, 15 July 2010 04:39 AM

    We still see Minister Bandula Gunawardena in Media briefings use the definitions as it is how they were written on the text book and what he had learned by heart while he was at OL AL.
    Hope relevant authorities will take necessary steps to inform this to be corrected place. For the sake of country and innocent students!!!!! Thank you

    malkanthi Thursday, 15 July 2010 04:38 AM

    Usual Adhoc decision!

    Graduate1 Thursday, 15 July 2010 04:38 AM

    After the exams this will never give any use to the student. Should keep in mind most of the business men who even didn’t sit for O/L or A/L use these materials finely for their transactions. Questions on Definitions are necessary but not for each and every heading. Also it’s a must that the student must be taught how the syllabus is compatible to the question paper. This is the standard followed among developed countries teaching methods. So it should be corrected from there.

    Nath Wednesday, 14 July 2010 07:05 PM

    MR should find a way to increase the knowledge of cabinet ministers and MPs.


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