University admissions to be increased-Minister of Higher Education, S.B. Dissanayake Said~

SB Dissanayake

Measures would be taken to let the students who sat for the GCE A/L examination for the third time under the old syllabus to sit for a fourth time, adding that a cabinet proposal would be submitted to the house for approval. The minister Minister of Higher Education, S.B. Dissanayake was addressing the Cabinet press briefing at the ministry auditorium yesterday.(26/july/2012)
The university admissions will be increased to provide relief for students affected by the Z score issue stemming from last year’s Advanced Level examination.
He said about 2,000 to 3,000 more students would be offered university admission this year. He said the ministry is discussing with Vice Chancellors to find out the availability of rooms and facilities to expand this year’s intake. The minister said the ministry is obtaining the numbers of students inconvenienced due to the Z score issue.

He said the government has already taken up the issue seriously, and it would take every measure to provide the fairest solution without causing inconvenience to students.

Minister S B Dissanayake noted the government is bound to implement the court order, adding that it would be proceeded with avoiding injustice to any student.

He also noted that he would present a special cabinet paper for approval to allow the students who sat for the A-L examination for the third time last year to sit for a fourth time too.

He observed that those who criticize the court verdict must understand that it is an insult to the court. He also said that politically motivated teachers’ unions and student's movements had contributed to worsen the Z score issue from the earlier stage.

Cabinet Spokesman and Mass Media and Information Minister Keheliya Rambukwella, Information Director General Prof Ariyaratne Athugala and Media Center for National Development Director Ariya Rubasinghe also participated.