Abusive language in paper shocks students in Anuradhapura

By Dayaratna Ambogama-Anuradhapura

Anuradhapura, July 24 (Daily Mirror) - Teachers have raised serious concerns over a printing error in the scholarship mock examination paper distributed to Grade 5 students in the Anuradhapura education zone on Monday (22), saying it caused significant confusion and distress to both students and teachers.

The mock exam paper, intended to prepare students for the upcoming Grade 5 Scholarship Examination, was distributed to nearly 2,000 students in the zone. The paper had been prepared by the Anuradhapura Zonal Education Office and was handed over to principals, who then printed and distributed it among their respective schools.

Teachers reported that as soon as students began reading the paper on Monday morning, they appeared unsettled. It was later discovered that the paper contained several typographical errors, including the use of inappropriate and offensive language in one of the questions specifically question number 29.

In response to the situation, the Zonal Education Office took steps to correct the errors and reissue the exam paper to the affected schools.

Speaking on the issue, Lanka Teachers’ Union President Priyantha Fernando stated, “These are primary-level children. Giving them a mock exam paper riddled with errors, especially one containing abusive language, is unacceptable.”

When contacted for comment, K.M.H.S.K. Jayalath, Secretary to the Provincial Ministry of Education, stated that an investigation has been launched into the incident and that appropriate action will be taken based on the findings.