Fake news alert: False claims of free marks for O/L Science circulating online

Colombo, March 23 (Daily Mirror) - A false announcement misusing the names of the Education Ministry and the Examinations Department is currently circulating on social media, claiming that free marks will be awarded for the G.C.E. Ordinary  Level (O/L) Science subject.

The fake announcement states:

The exam included extracurricular questions, leading to a change in the question pattern.

All students who sat for the Science subject will receive 08 additional marks.

Pass mark thresholds have been lowered by 10 marks.

Students scoring above 65 marks will receive an "Excellent" pass.

Authorities have confirmed that this information is completely false. Students and the public are urged to rely only on official sources for examination-related updates.

"Therefore, we inform the public that the above statement is false and has been fabricated and circulated only on social media. No such decision has been made by the Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education Ministry or the Examinations Department.  

"Additionally, the Education Ministry and the Examinations Department issue official news releases only to legally registered media institutions and accredited websites.  

"Every official announcement is released on the Ministry’s or Department’s letterhead, duly signed by the relevant authority after proper verification.  

"We kindly urge the public not to be misled by such fake news and to rely only on official sources for accurate information," the announcement said.