Arrangements in place for students in the South to sit for Scholarship exam

The scholarship examination will be held today, and standby arrangements are in place to overcome any hurdles caused by adverse weather conditions in the Southern Province, authorities say.

Walasmulla Zonal Education Director Channa Upali Weerasekara told the Sunday Times that the exam will be held as scheduled.

The Meteorology Department reports say there will be light showers. However, they were prepared for any eventuality, Matara Disaster Management Centre (DMC) Director Lieutenant Colonel Ariyawansa Kandambi said.

He said that 13,319 students will be sitting for the scholarship exam from the Matara District, and there are 112 examination centres in 78 schools, along with 19 paper distribution centres.

He said areas under the Divisional Secretariats of Thihagoda, Malimbada, Akuressa, Athuraliya, Kamburupitiya, and Matara were still under water and residents were facing travel difficulties.

Commenting on those who might be affected by the inclement weather, he said, “We have requested that parents and teachers find temporary accommodations if possible. Shelter will be provided for those who can't find alternate accommodation."

Information regarding students who were facing travel difficulties had been given to the Zonal Education Department.

More than 40 boats and 28 rafts have been provided by the DMC while the Sri Lanka Army has provided three military trucks and unicorn vehicles to assist students.

Meanwhile, the Karagoda, Uyangoda examination centre has been submerged by flood waters, and the centre has been shifted to the Narandeniya Maha Vidyalaya.

The Divisional Secretariat of Akuressa said shelters have been prepared for those who are unable to find accommodation. A temple in Palatuwa will also be used for accommodation.

Around 300,000 students will be sitting for the examination islandwide.